Shop Front Improvement Grants

As part of the Bathgate Business Improvement District pilot project, a shop front improvement scheme intiative was set up by Enterprising Bathgate in January 2007, and is financially supported by the Scottish Government and West Lothian Council.  To date over 100 businesses have registered an interest in the scheme.

The shop front scheme will contribute significantly to one of Enterprising Bathgate's key objectives - namely, to enhance the visible appearance of Bathgate Town Centre.  In addition, the visible effects of this initiative will assist in another key objective - to raise the profile and potential of the town to attract additional retail development and investment to gather momentum for additional town centre activity and growth.

Applications are invited from all Non Domestic Ratepayers within Bathgate Town Centre.

The following guidelines apply:

- one application per rateable property is permitted
- a grant of 50% of expenditure incurred will be available - up to a maximum of £600 (maximum qualifying expenditure is £1,200)
- applicants are urged to check with Planning Services as early as possible whether Planning/Building Warrants are required, these will be dealt with as quickly as possible;  if required, the 50% maximum grant will be increased by £230 as a contribution to these costs 
- please note that an award of grant does not imply consent/permission to carry out all the works.  All necessary consents or permission, statutory or otherwise, should be applied for and obtained before commencement of the works.

For an application form or for further information regarding the BIDs project, please contact Amanda Finlayson, BID Co-ordinator on 01506 776386 or email to: amanda.finlayson@westlothian.gov.uk.