Lochwinnoch residents and visitors have until next Friday to share their views on a proposal for an ambitious heritage-leg regeneration project within the village’s conservation area.
Renfrewshire Council has encouraged people to participate in the consultation, which has been canvassing opinion since the start of last month and will close on July 11.
A statement said: “We’re applying to the National Lottery heritage fund and Historic Environment Scotland for funding to develop a proposal for a heritage-led regeneration project within the Lochwinnoch conservation area.
“If we get funding, this initial project will look at investing in Lochwinnoch’s built heritage and historical buildings [and] creating a plan to promote the history of the village.
“To help with our application for funding, we want to understand how local people and visitors value Lochwinnoch’s heritage and what they think of the village centre, its amenities, attractions, shops and things to do there.”
READ MORE: Ambitious regeneration plan for Renfrewshire village moves step closer
The idea, which has been dubbed the ‘Cornerstones Project’, was considered at the local authority’s economy and regeneration policy board in May.
A report to the board explained: “The centre of Lochwinnoch was developed in the 18th Century as a planned expansion of the older village, organised around three primary axes.
“Cornerstones seeks to revitalise Lochwinnoch’s streetscape and economy by focusing investment within the conservation area where these axes meet.
“Repair grants will help preserve Lochwinnoch’s historic built environment; a parallel programme of community engagement activities will emphasise the value of the village’s heritage, raise awareness of its unique history, and develop local expertise around traditional building skills.”
The scheme area encompasses the central section of the Main Street/High Street axis and its junction with the Calder Street/Church Street axis; the southeast section of the Calder Street/Church Street axis as far as the south corner of Harvey Square; and the southwest section of the Harvey Terrace/Gates Road axis which terminates with Lochwinnoch Parish Church on Church Street.
The deadline for submitting applications for the initial development phase is August 6.
READ MORE: New grants to help repair historic buildings in Renfrewshire
If they are successful, this year-long phase will start in June 2026 and conclude in May 2027 with the submission of delivery phase applications to both funders.
If those latter applications are successful, it is anticipated the full Cornerstones project would run from April 2028 for five years.
Councillor Andy Doig, an independent representative for the village, said at the meeting: “When it’s something like this which deals with heritage, you want to really take villages along with you.
“I think that takes a wee bit longer to get groups in place for the proper liaison to take place as well … I’m delighted that the officers have realised that there is life outside Paisley in a heritage sense.
“It would be a massive boost for the conservation area in Lochwinnoch.”
For more information and to contribute to the consultation, visit bit.ly/3GpuLN9
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