Shawlands businesses band together

Shawlands Business Association will receive a grant from the Scottish Government and Glasgow City Council to create its detailed proposal for a Business Improvement District (BID).

BID committee chair Gary Broadhurst, owner of Jayz Bar, explained: “There are currently over 250 businesses in Shawlands and the BID is a great way to work together to raise the profile of the town.

“The BID business plan and proposal will be determined by the local businesses and, if we have buy in from everyone, we could potentially unlock over £25,000 a year for the town.

“This could go a long way in making Shawlands a more attractive location for locals and visitors alike.”

The BID proposal has the backing of The Glad Cafe, The Shed, The butterfly and the pig, Martin Fletcher Opticians, Allied Surveyors Scotland and Loks Bar and Kitchen.

The process of setting one up can take up to 12 months and, if successful, will include a levy charged to every business operating in Shawlands. Plans to extend to the scheme to Strathbungo have also been suggested.

Councillor Archie Graham, chair of the Shawlands Town Centre Action Plan, said: “A BID strongly encourages private and public sectors to work together to raise a town’s profile and ultimately boost its local economy.

“Introducing a BID to Shawlands is a terrific idea and has the support of both myelf and Glasgow City Council.”

Cathcart MSP James Dornan has also voiced his support.

Commenting on social media, Extra readers voiced their suggestions on how to improve Shawlands.

Facebook follower Ashlie Cunningham said: “Anything [would be] better than the way it is just now. The Arcade is practically empty, and there seem to be more places to eat and drink than shops.”

@IndieStGlasgow tweeted: “Agree that the Arcade needs updated. I would love to see the BID encouraging more independent retailers and restaurants.”

Others comment that recent pavement improvements on Kilmarnock Road need to be extended further, and Ailie Rutherford calls for “a civic space that is not privately owned, and places where it’s possible to do nothing and spend no money.”

A public consultation on the Shawlands BID will be announced shortly.