Regeneration Capital Grant Fund – Expression of interest form - revised Jan version
Renfrewshire Council · 20 January 2026
Back to Economy and Regeneration Policy Board — 20 January 2026 and its agenda
Text extracted from the council's PDF. Layout and reading order may differ from the original.
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PUBLIC ___________________________________________________________________ To: Economy and Regeneration Policy Board On: 20 January 2026 ___________________________________________________________________ Report by: Chief Executive ___________________________________________________________________ Heading: Regeneration Capital Grant Fund – Expression of interest form ___________________________________________________________________ 1. Summary 1.1 The purpose of this report is to request the establishment of a more formal process to allow organisations to express interest in any upcoming rounds of the Scottish Government’s Regeneration Capital Grant Fund (RCGF). __________________________________________________________________________________ 2. Recommendations 2.1 It is recommended that the Board: (i) Approves officers to create a dedicated webpage on the Renfrewshire Council website that enables organisations to complete an Expression of Interest (EOI) form for future rounds of the RCGF. _________________________________________________________ 3. Background 3.1 The RCGF is a long running Scottish Government capital fund designed to support locally developed regeneration projects that deliver large-scale transformational change with strong regeneration outcomes. The fund combines previous streams, including the Vacant and Derelict Land Investment Programme (VDLIP), into a single mechanism aimed at: • Providing new infrastructure and enhancing existing infrastructure. • Tackling persistent vacant and derelict land. • Supporting place-based regeneration initiatives across Scotland. 3.2 Applications are open to all Scottish local authorities. At present grant funding is only open to bids approved by local authorities. The Funding is subject to Scottish Government budget approval. Renfrewshire Council has previously secured support from this fund for projects such as the Russell Institute, Paisley Learning and Cultural Hub, and Paisley Museum.
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PUBLIC 3.3 The RCGF has also supported projects led by community organisations (with the grant administered by the Council), including initiatives promoted by Linwood Community Development Trust, Active Communities in Johnstone, as well as the recent PACE Youth Theatre project in Paisley. _________________________________________________________ 4. Programme Requirements 4.1 Project proposals are assessed through a two-stage process. At Stage 1, applicants must demonstrate that their project: • Meets the programme aims. • Can spend or commit funding by certain date (defined by the Scottish Government) • Has involved the community in its design. • Contributes to achieving net-zero targets. 4.2 Projects can apply for up to 100% of costs, although those with match funding will be prioritised. _________________________________________________________ 5. Eligibility and Exclusions 5.1 The fund is for capital expenditure only. Ineligible costs include feasibility studies, early design work, and future running costs. The fund is not intended for: • Major transport infrastructure. • Purchase of moveable items (e.g., furniture). • Hotel or retail-only developments. • Public realm improvements or roads/paths as standalone projects. • Flood protection works. 5.2 Housing-led projects are generally excluded but may be eligible where unlocking vacant/derelict land for future housing forms part of a wider regeneration initiative. _________________________________________________________ 6. Proposed approach 6.1 It is expected that any funding announcement for the RCGF will be made as part of the Scottish Government’s January 2026 budget. It is therefore prudent to compile a list of potential projects in advance of any formal request for applications (typically issued around April/May). Assuming funding is confirmed for future rounds, it is proposed that officers create a dedicated webpage on the Council’s website inviting Expressions of Interest (EOI) from local groups, community organisations, and individuals for capital projects deliverable in 2027/28 that: • Focus on areas of high deprivation and disadvantage. • Demonstrate strong community involvement. • Deliver large-scale transformational change.
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PUBLIC • Encourage additional investment and address market failure. 6.2 EOIs will be submitted using a RCGF EOI Form, with a submission deadline set by officers. Potential applicants will also have access to the Scottish Government’s RCGF Stage 1 Guidance and Project Proposal Template to assist in completing the form. 6.3 All EOIs will be evaluated by officers in line with the key project criteria identified in paragraph 6.3 above and outcomes will be communicated to applicants by a specified date. Only the strongest proposals that best meet the RCGF criteria will progress to Stage 1 submission. _________________________________________________________ 7 Next Steps 7.1 If approved by Members and subject to confirmation of RCGF funding by the Scottish Government, officers will launch the EOI process at an appropriate point in 2026 through the Council website and direct engagement with community partners. Officers will also provide support and guidance to potential applicants. 7.2 An update on any Stage 1 applications submitted will be provided to Board at a future date. _______________________________________________________________ Implications of the Report 1. Financial. – None at present. The engagement process will be resourced from existing Regeneration and Place team budget. Should there be financial commitments required from the Council in terms of any specific project approved at Stage 1 this will be brought to the attention of the relevant Council Board. 2. HR & Organisational Development – None. 3. Community Planning – • Our Renfrewshire is thriving / Reshaping our place, our economy and our future – The RCGF supports significant investment in Renfrewshire. 4. Legal – None. 5. Property/Assets – None. 6. Information Technology – None. 7. Equality & Human Rights - The Recommendations contained within this report have been assessed in relation to their impact on equalities and human rights. No negative impacts on equality groups or potential for infringement of individuals’ human rights have been identified arising from the recommendations contained in the report.
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PUBLIC If required following implementation, the actual impact of the recommendations and the mitigating actions will be reviewed and monitored, and the results of the assessment will be published on the Council’s website. 8. Health & Safety – None. 9. Procurement – None. 10. Risk – None. 11. Privacy Impact – None. 12. Climate Risk – None. 13. Children’s Rights – None. 14. Cosla Policy Position – None. ___________________________________________________________________ Author: Euan Shearer, Regeneration and Place Manager