Chair of South of Scotland Enterprise welcomes Town Centre Review Report
Professor Russel Griggs OBE, Chair of South of Scotland Enterprise (SOSE) is a member of the Scottish Government’s Town Centre Action Plan Expert Review Group, and today he welcomed the publication of the official report findings.
On 1st July 2020, the Scottish Government announced that a range of experts would build on the progress of the Scottish Government’s 2013 Town Centre Action Plan. The group was tasked with issuing its report and recommendations for consideration by the Scottish Government by the end of 2020.
Today this final report has been published, revealing fresh recommendations and a new vision for towns and town centres.
Professor Russel Griggs, has strongly welcomed this report and said:
“In the South of Scotland, our towns are places which serve to bring our passionate communities together, providing a sense of place, and playing a central role in the area’s economic vitality.
“Despite this, sadly some towns have suffered decline over several decades. The Scottish Government’s Towns report recognises and responds to the challenges faced by towns across Scotland (including here in the South) and it offers a range of positive recommendations to help them thrive once again. We are delighted to have played an active role in the development of this report and its recommendations.
“Towns and communities across the South of Scotland have shown great strength and resilience during the pandemic. Our local businesses and communities have come together to help and support one another, this collaborative and whole town approach is also a strong feature in today’s report. The recommendations contained within it aim to build on the strengths of our towns, with equal consideration to partnership working and planning, whilst ensuring the right support is in place to enable delivery and change at a local level. We hope that through this dual approach we will see greater and swifter change with a renewed focus on our town’s development and revitalisation.
“The ambition for revitalising our Towns is fully supported by South of Scotland Enterprise. We are ambitious for our area, and we must look beyond recovery and to the future where we want to see a thriving economy.”
You can view the full Town Centre Review Report published here