Cash boost to revamp Dunoon town centre

Dunoon is set to benefit from more than £1 million of dedicated town-centre investment as part of a wider £40 million funding package announced for Argyll and Bute and the Western Isles.
The funding, part of the UK Government’s Community Regeneration Partnership, will support a series of projects chosen directly through local engagement.
While the investment spans housing, business development and heritage projects across the region, Dunoon will see its share of the cash used to revitalise its town centre. It is understood that some of the money will be used to redevelop the fire site in the heart of Argyll Street.
Back in August 2021, four popular retail units which occupied a section of the town’s high street were burned to the ground. Following the fire, two of the businesses, Cameron’s Dairy and Pricewise, were forced to relocate and start again.
Since then, a gaping hole has been left in Argyll Street, which was recently fenced off.
Then in March, a planning application was submitted to the local authority by Cowal House Hotels Ltd for a mixed-use retail and hot food development, along with short-term holiday let apartments. The planned replacement building was to contain two storeys.
It is understood the proposed development has now been abandoned but, following this week’s announcement of cash from the UK Government, a total of £1.08 million has been earmarked for Dunoon Public Realm, a project designed to improve key areas of Argyll Street, which would encompass the fire site.
The initiative forms part of a wider effort to boost footfall, support local businesses and create a more attractive environment for residents and visitors.
The funding will deliver public realm upgrades and address several gap sites within the town centre, with a view to strengthening Dunoon’s economic resilience and improving the look and feel of the main commercial area.
Dunoon ward councillor and depute joint leader of Argyll and Bute Council said: “This has been a long process and negotiation, but I am delighted that funding has been secured to progress public realm and business support measures in Dunoon town centre. A further £65k of funding has also been committed from the council’s Crown Estates budget.”
“At present, a number of options are in the process of being scoped and further design work is being progressed. This investment will focus on interventions which support economic growth in Dunoon town centre by helping to address vacant commercial properties, key areas of dereliction and damage, and making the town centre a more attractive and vibrant place to visit. I look forward to more detailed plans being announced soon.”