SCOTLAND'S TOWN CENTRES

Posted on 2 September 2013

A report commissioned by the Scottish Government prepared by an External Advisory Group comprising of business figures and public bodies has been published. You can download this independent report from the ScotGov website.

The key recommendations for energising Scotland’s town centres include:-

• A ‘town centre first’ principle whereby public bodies will consider how they can support town centres before considering development elsewhere

• Working with housing providers to bring empty town centre properties back into use as affordable housing

• A town centre focus to review current business rates incentivisation schemes

• A recommendation that public bodies should consider the impact of proposals to relocate services out of town centres

• Broadening the appeal of town centres with a mix of leisure, public facilities and homes

Leading architect Malcolm Fraser who chaired the review panel said ‘Our review offers the Scottish Government, and the people of Scotland, a range of measures to bring investment and footfall into the heart of our communities.’

The report also draws attention to the way in which VAT is zero rated for new build on the edge of town in a field as out-of town development while the repair of an existing building in town centre is burdened with the full 20%!

Retailers' representatives have given the review a cautious welcome.

As noted in our website news article of 26th August 2013, within Moray, various Conservation Area Regeneration Schemes (CARS) are proposed and have now launched to provide grant assistance for external repairs to traditional buildings within Elgin and Keith town centres.

Should you wish any assistance with a possible application, please do not hesitate to contact our Chartered Architect Susan Longmuir on 01343 890400 or susan@bowlts.com.

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Recruitment

RURAL PRACTICE CHARTERED SURVEYOR AND TRAINEE CHARTERED SURVEYOR POSITIONS

Due to an increasing workload, we are looking to expand our rural practice department. Our office is based at Pluscarden, near Elgin, Moray. We currently have a staff of 15 and our core activity is property consultancy and rural estate management.

We are currently accepting applications for both a Rural Practice Chartered Surveyor as well as a Trainee Chartered Surveyor.

The successful applicants will join our rural practice team, which consists of four fully qualified land agents. Both positions are full-time, working Monday to Friday, and salary will be negotiable depending on experience.

If you would like to apply for either position, please email your CV and covering letter to mandy@bowlts.com.

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