Up to £10 million to help city centre businesses
A financial package worth up to £10 million to help the council, businesses and agencies rebuild and renew the part of the city affected by the Union Corner fire has been announced by First Minister John Swinney.
The Scottish Government grant scheme will support recovery efforts near Glasgow Central station where around 71 businesses were damaged or destroyed by the fire and remain within a safety cordon which is closed to the public.
Glasgow City Council will administer the scheme based on engagement with local businesses to understand how they have been affected.
Additionally, up to £1 million will be made available to help the council with demolition costs and the Scottish Government’s contribution to discretionary non-domestic rates Hardship Relief for those impacted will increase from 75% to 95%.
The First Minister said: “There has been significant disruption for people and businesses as a result of the devastating fire at Union Corner, including through the closure of Glasgow Central station.
“As I made clear in the immediate aftermath of the fire, the Scottish Government is absolutely committed to working closely with Glasgow City Council to ensure financial support was available.
“Some owners have lost their properties, in some cases their livelihoods, and others have been affected by access issues because of safety restrictions around the site.
“I am grateful to Glasgow City Council for talking to business owners about their circumstances, and that important work has established a clearer understanding of the extent of the support that is required.
“Following that engagement, I am pleased to confirm the Scottish Government will deliver a package of financial support, including up to £10 million to help businesses in this important part of Glasgow. The Scottish Government remains committed to working urgently with partners to ensure there is the fullest possible recovery in what is the heart of the city centre.”
Glasgow City Council leader Susan Aitken has welcomed the financial package announced by First Minister John Swinney to support recovery from the recent Union Street fire.
The First Minister yesterday confirmed cash to cover the cost of ongoing demolition works and a £10 million recovery fund, including support for local businesses.
Cllr Aitken said: “The support Glasgow has had from the Scottish Government since Sunday’s terrible fire has been hugely important – and that is going to continue to be the case as we move on from an emergency response into recovery.
“The first call I took on Monday morning was from the First Minister. He was absolutely clear then that this was an incident with a national impact and that Glasgow wouldn’t stand alone in building back from it.
“So, while I was always sure help would be forthcoming, it is really pleasing to see that starting to take shape at pace, with his announcement this afternoon.
“This is meaningful support, not just for the council and those suffering hardship – but an investment in the future of the city centre.”
Work is taking place to finalise arrangements for the grant scheme.
