This fund is designed to help bring vacant high street and town centre premises across the Falkirk area back into use.

It is recognised that high streets are changing and this fund is aimed at helping landlords and tenants adapt to changing consumer demands where a capital investment can open up new or more sustainable uses, in a currently vacant premise. The fund will help address the issue of vacant town centre unit space (priority will be given to ground floor units), stimulate new start-up activity and support business and Third Sector expansion. This will help improve amenities, increase footfall and contribute to re-shaping and creating vibrant town centre environments.

Third Sector organisations can get 75% of eligible improvement costs up to a maximum of £25,000 ( minimum award £2,000)

Funding can be spent on capital investment only. Revenue or operating costs are not eligible, except for, directly related architect fees and professional costs (10% of the total eligible project costs considered maximum).

• improving vacant premises to attract new tenants
• conversion costs to enable new/expanded uses
• installation of, or upgrades to, fixtures and fittings
• energy efficiency improvements
• accessibility improvements
• external works and cosmetic improvements

Project start date - Applicants must not have commenced any of the activities for which they are applying for funding. No supplier invoices should be received and no supplier payments made before the grant award date.

Eligible applicants must be:

• Formally registered Third Sector organisations with fewer than 250 employees
• Taking on a vacant unit for a minimum 12-month term (priority will be given to ground floor units, and the unit must have been vacant for a minimum of 1 month at the point of application)
• Able to provide a minimum of 25% match funding

Applications are welcomed from:

• Third Sector landlords with an identified tenant
• Third Sector start‑ups wishing to occupy a vacant unit
• Existing Third Sector organisations expanding into new town centre premises

To get more detailed guidance, or find out if your project might be eligible please submit an email outlining the project to: CommunityDevelopment@falkirk.gov.uk

The project outline should include details of the applicant, address of proposed premises, proposed use, description and cost of improvement works, match funding proposal, timeline for project, and confirm if any statutory consents such as planning and/or building control are required.

A Fund officer will be in touch with you to discuss the project further . The outline case will be assessed and if suitable for the fund, the applicant will be given access to the application portal, where fuller application details will be required. Funding panels will decide on grant application outcomes and will be held on an as needs basis. The final deadline for submitting applications will be February 2027. Please note that this fund may close early if demand is high and the fund becomes fully subscribed.

The Premises Improvement Grant programme is funded by the UK Government's Pride in Place Impact Fund and is delivered by Falkirk Council.