This is a working relationship designed to encourage new and innovative investment opportunities to fund major regeneration projects in Scotland’s towns and will raise awareness among STP’s network of regeneration organisations, Business Improvement Districts, public and private sector stakeholders about one of the Bank’s key missions: To transform communities, making them places where everyone thrives.

The partnership will see the Bank share insight at key STP events, including the Scotland’s Towns Conference.

Kimberley Guthrie

STP chief officer Kimberley Guthrie said: “Having the Bank support on this work feels like a significant step forward in unlocking new opportunities for investment among the organisations that we bring together in our network. 

“There is no shortage of ambition and vision for major capital regeneration projects in Scotland’s towns and places. The most significant challenge is coming up with funding and investment models which make them possible.

“Organisations of all kinds are needing to become increasingly innovative with finance. No single sector has the answer. Collaboration will be the key to success for most, with the public, private and charitable sectors working in partnership to deliver on their community’s ambitions.

“Transforming our towns and town centres is key in ensuring that more people want to use them, visit them, live in them and ultimately invest in them. Our partnership with the Bank will help enable us to convene experts to help make this happen.”

The Bank invests in Scottish business, projects and communities to deliver environmental, social and financial returns for the people of Scotland.

It typically invests in businesses and projects seeking more than £1 million in investment support up to £50m.

All investments must deliver both commercial returns and mission impact returns which support at least one of the Bank’s missions.

Susan Campbell, Director, Market Creation (Place) at The Bank, commented: “Both the Bank and STP share the ambition to create thriving places which meet the needs of communities and businesses. Working together, we want to help raise awareness of the potential of Scotland’s towns, through cross-sector partnership working and regeneration.   

“We welcome STP’s convening role and look forward to working with them and stakeholders to identify opportunities and explore ways to unlock investment.”

Investment opportunities for towns and places will be among the topics explored at this year’s Scotland’s Towns Conference.

The event – set to be the biggest yet – will take place at the University of Strathclyde’s Technology and Innovation Centre in Glasgow on Thursday, November 27.