CLICK HERE TO ADD YOUR EVENT

Council funding helping to fill empty town centre premises in Renfrewshire

Local businesses are being supported to grow and expand into empty ground floor town centre premises thanks to grant funding provided by Renfrewshire Council.

Council funding helping to fill empty town centre premises in Renfrewshire

Article Source: Renfrewshire Council
Last Updated: 28 March 2025 10:39

Paisley Pie Co. and Gillan Green fruit and veg shop have moved into previously empty premises in Paisley after successfully applying to the council’s Town Centre Premises Fund.

Scott McGinlay of Paisley Pie Co. expanded from a small shop on Bridge Street to a deli style outlet offering both sit-in and takeaway options at the former Blend coffee shop on Causeyside Street, with grant funding supporting the move which has created ten new jobs – with more on the way.

Scott said: “This funding has allowed us to make a significant contribution to the regeneration of Paisley, and we are thrilled to be part of a project that helps drive the town’s growth and vibrancy.

“The support from Renfrewshire Council has allowed us to transform the space, bring new life to the town centre and create 10 new job opportunities for the community, with further recruitment still underway.

“We are incredibly grateful for the support of Renfrewshire Council, particularly Robert from the Business Development team whose guidance has been invaluable throughout this process, and I would encourage local businesses to apply to the fund if they are looking to expand in the town centre.”


Another business benefitting from the fund has been Gillan Green, a local fruit and veg shop in Paisley, who have moved into a formally empty premises on Moss Street thanks to their grant award.

Owner Mansoor said: “We are incredibly grateful for the support provided by the Town Centre Premises Fund, which has been vital in helping us with our new premises. Without this, it would have been a challenge for us to take this step forward.

“This support has not only enabled our business to grow but also contributed to the revitalisation of the town centre. Our new location in a more prominent spot within the town centre has already made a significant impact, with increased footfall and sales.

“We’re excited for the future and look forward to serving our community in our new and improved premises.”


The Town Centre Premises Grant invests £250,000 as part of a drive to reduce the number of vacant ground floor premises in Erskine, Johnstone, Linwood, Paisley and Renfrew town centres, while supporting new and existing business, creating employment opportunities, and promoting sustainable inclusive economic growth.

Small and medium-sized businesses will be able to access up to 50% of their project costs, up to a maximum of £25,000, to support them to move into ground-floor properties in the town centre.

The grant can be spent flexibly to suit the individual business’ needs and could include costs such as premises improvements, rent payments, advertising and marketing costs, fees and insurance.

The council’s Business Development team can support potential applicants to identify potential premises and work with them to ensure they meet the criteria for the grant award.

Councillor Andy Steel, Convener of Renfrewshire Council’s Economy and Regeneration Policy Board, said: “I’m delighted to see this fund supporting local businesses to grow and expand, but importantly bringing empty town centre premises back into use.

“It’s so important that we support our town centres and the businesses that make them thrive. The more available businesses then the more people will visit and spend their money in the local economy.

“It’s fantastic to see Gillan Green and the Paisley Pie Co. benefit so successfully from their grant funding and I hope it serves as an inspiration to businesses across Renfrewshire to get in touch with our team and see if they can be next.”


The grant scheme is open for businesses to apply and will remain open until all the funding has been allocated. Businesses should get in touch with the council’s Business Development team in the first instance.

For more information, visit www.renfrewshire.gov.uk

Sponsored Links

RSPB
The Quay
Renfrewshire Council
Napier Uni
Glasgow Science Centre
Renfrewshire Council

Latest Renfrewshire News

Fashion writer with PhD in Prince to explore stories and style at Paisley Book Festival

Fashion writer with PhD in Prince to explore stories and style at Paisley Book Festival

Cultural historian Dr Casci Ritchie hails 'incredible buzz' that showpiece event brings as she encourages visitors to explore town.

READ MORE
Paisley Food and Drink Festival returns next weekend with a supersized celebration

Paisley Food and Drink Festival returns next weekend with a supersized celebration

Paisley Food and Drink Festival returns on Friday 25th and Saturday 26th April for its biggest event yet with an extended site and more vendors than ever before!

READ MORE
Trusts join forces to explore complexities of the Battle of Culloden

Trusts join forces to explore complexities of the Battle of Culloden

The National Trust for Scotland and the National Trust have teamed up to give an insight into the complexity of the Battle of Culloden in a pair of podcasts this April.

READ MORE
Love Your Lawn with Dobbies

Love Your Lawn with Dobbies

Dobbies Garden Centres is hosting a very special FREE Grow How event in stores across the UK this May in partnership with Alzheimer's Research UK to mark Dementia Action Week.

READ MORE
First Paisley Comedy Festival hailed a hit

First Paisley Comedy Festival hailed a hit

Audiences packed Paisley's Town Hall and Arts Centre for inaugural event with former MP-turned-stand up performer among the headliners.

READ MORE
Exclusive child planting event in honour of National Childrens Gardening Week

Exclusive child planting event in honour of National Childrens Gardening Week

Dobbies Garden Centres are celebrating National Children's Gardening Week by welcoming families along to its Children's Planting and Afternoon Tea experience on Saturday 31st May.

READ MORE
BBC Introducing comes to TRNSMT Festival, bringing 20 rising stars

BBC Introducing comes to TRNSMT Festival, bringing 20 rising stars

Rockstar Energy presents TRNSMT has announced the BBC Introducing Stage, previously River Stage, will showcase 20 of the most exciting emerging artists in the country.

READ MORE
Fun for all the family on the Paisley First Busy Bees Spring Trail!

Fun for all the family on the Paisley First Busy Bees Spring Trail!

Paisley's Busy Bees Spring Trail is buzzing into town from Friday April 4th to Monday 21st April.

READ MORE
Former Pipe Band World Champions to represent Scotland in Tartan Day parade in New York

Former Pipe Band World Champions to represent Scotland in Tartan Day parade in New York

A Renfrewshire youth pipe band are going to the annual Tartan Day parade in New York for the first time.

READ MORE
The hoppiest time of the year at the National Trust For Scotland

The hoppiest time of the year at the National Trust For Scotland

The National Trust for Scotland is hopping into spring as it hosts 40 Easter egg trails at the special places in its care in April!

READ MORE
Top comedian and Scottish brewer team up in search of best Scottish banter for upcoming book

Top comedian and Scottish brewer team up in search of best Scottish banter for upcoming book

Innis & Gunn joins forces with top Scottish comedian Marc Jennings to find Scotland's funniest pub stories for 'The Book of Pub Banter & Confessions'.

READ MORE
Could you steal the show at the Paisley Comedy Festival Open Mic Night

Could you steal the show at the Paisley Comedy Festival Open Mic Night

Think yer funny, aye? Then now's your chance to show it... an Open Mic Night takes place on Friday 4th April as part of the first Paisley Comedy Festival.

READ MORE
Council funding helping to fill empty town centre premises in Renfrewshire

Council funding helping to fill empty town centre premises in Renfrewshire

Local businesses are being supported to grow and expand into empty ground floor town centre premises thanks to grant funding provided by Renfrewshire Council.

READ MORE
Spring into gardening: Dobbies free April workshops

Spring into gardening: Dobbies free April workshops

Garden Centre invites gardeners to get hands-on with wildflowers and springtime celebrations.

READ MORE
JADE and Myles Smith join TRNSMT 2025 lineup

JADE and Myles Smith join TRNSMT 2025 lineup

Rockstar Energy presents TRNSMT has revealed five new artists to the Glasgow Green billing, including two of the hottest UK acts right now, JADE and Myles Smith!

READ MORE
Doors to historic sites across Scotland set to open next month

Doors to historic sites across Scotland set to open next month

More than 30 historic seasonal sites across the country will reopen to visitors from Tuesday 1st April, as Historic Environment Scotland marks the start of its spring/summer season.

READ MORE
Top authors will inspire Renfrewshire schoolchildren as part of Paisley Book Festival

Top authors will inspire Renfrewshire schoolchildren as part of Paisley Book Festival

Hundreds of schoolchildren across Renfrewshire will delve into the world of writing as part of this year's Paisley Book Festival.

READ MORE
Theatrical screenings take centre stage at Vue this spring

Theatrical screenings take centre stage at Vue this spring

To coincide with World Theatre Day this Thursday (27 March), Vue venues in Scotland are bringing a selection of British productions to the big screen this spring.

READ MORE
Scottish youth hostelling charity launches initiative reviving funded breaks for disadvantaged young people and families

Scottish youth hostelling charity launches initiative reviving funded breaks for disadvantaged young people and families

An organisation that runs youth hostels across Scotland is launching an initiative to provide free stays for disadvantaged young people and families.

READ MORE
TRNSMT reveals 18 big dance acts for Glasgow Green

TRNSMT reveals 18 big dance acts for Glasgow Green

BBC Radio 1 Dance is taking over the much-loved Boogie Bar to bring some of the best dance music to Glasgow Green this summer on 11-13th July!

READ MORE
UB40 ft. Ali Campbell brings legendary vibes to Kelpies Live at Helix Park

UB40 ft. Ali Campbell brings legendary vibes to Kelpies Live at Helix Park

UB40 ft. Ali Campbell are set to light up Falkirk as part of Kelpies Live at Helix Park, marking a triumphant return to Scotland for one of music's most iconic acts.

READ MORE
Aldi calls on children to design a poster for food action week

Aldi calls on children to design a poster for food action week

To mark Food Waste Action Week (17th – 23rd March), Aldi is calling on children in Scotland to design a poster that encourages people to reduce food waste.

READ MORE
Giant gold girder stuns Scots as competition heats up

Giant gold girder stuns Scots as competition heats up

With three 18-carat golden girders worth £10,000 still out there, IRN-BRU unveils giant hanging girder to encourage Scots to get on the hunt!

READ MORE
Family fun awaits at Vue venues across Scotland this Easter break

Family fun awaits at Vue venues across Scotland this Easter break

From Wallace & Gromit to Sonic the Hedgehog, there’s plenty to enjoy at Vue venues across Scotland this Easter break.

READ MORE
Exciting new play venue for kids set to open in Renfrew

Exciting new play venue for kids set to open in Renfrew

Families in Renfrew and the wider Glasgow area can now look forward to hours of fun and adventure as a brand-new instagrammable role play village has teased its opening for April.

READ MORE
Foodies alert! Loch Lomond Springfest is back

Foodies alert! Loch Lomond Springfest is back

Loch Lomond Springfest, one of Scotland's biggest FREE food festivals, is back on the 5th and 6th April at Loch Lomond Shores!

READ MORE
Macdonald Hotels & Resorts has curated a unique experience to help guests unwind

Macdonald Hotels & Resorts has curated a unique experience to help guests unwind

To mark World Sleep Day, Macdonald Hotels & Resorts is introducing the Sleep Retreat Essential Spa Break, designed to help guests prioritise rest and relaxation.

READ MORE
Paisley Food and Drink Festival has all the ingredients for the perfect foodie day out!

Paisley Food and Drink Festival has all the ingredients for the perfect foodie day out!

Paisley Food and Drink Festival returns next month and looks set to be the biggest yet with an extended site and more vendors than ever before.

READ MORE
Young people get creative kickstart to careers through cultural programme

Young people get creative kickstart to careers through cultural programme

Over 200 of Renfrewshire secondary school pupils have been given a unique insight into creative and cultural careers through a bespoke programme.

READ MORE
Visitors to celebrate 2,000 years of history at summer events

Visitors to celebrate 2,000 years of history at summer events

Over 2,000 years of history will be celebrated this summer as Historic Environment Scotland announces its 2025 summer events programme!

READ MORE

Sponsored Links

WSS Media Scotland
Paisley Radio
Pawrade
Go Radio
Hostelworld
ATG

Sponsored Links

RSPB
The Quay
Renfrewshire Council
Napier Uni
Glasgow Science Centre
Renfrewshire Council
WSS Media Scotland
Paisley Radio
Pawrade
Go Radio
Hostelworld
ATG

Popular Events

Doon the Watter
Doon the Watter, a delightful performance for ages 0-5, is a heart-warming celebration of nature, storytelling, and the joy of adventure from PACE!
Rhoda Dakar
LNP are delighted to welcome Rhoda Dakar and her band back to The Bungalow in Paisley on Saturday 22nd November!
Gaming Zone - Free Fun this Easter
Braehead are turning their Central Atrium into a FREE retro gaming zone... whatever your game of choice you can see if you've still got what it takes at their free gaming event this Easter!
Raunchy Rodeo 2.0
If you missed the Raunchy Rodeo last time, don't make that mistake again – this is the wildest night out in town, and you don't want to miss a second of it!
The Gleniffer Singers Annual Concert
Come and join the Gleniffer Singers for an evening of music with a programme ranging from West End hits to modern classical pieces that is sure to have something for everyone!

Popular Listings

Beacon Arts Centre Braehead Arena Johnstone Town Hall Old Swan Inn Paisley Paisley Abbey Paisley Arts Centre Paisley Town Hall Robertson Park Renfrew The Bungalow Paisley Venue Paisley