The Scottish Government’s Vacant and Derelict Land Investment Programme (VDLIP) is once again open for applications, providing £15 million in funding for projects to be delivered in the 2024/5 financial year.
Launched in 2021, the VDLIP has already funded over 30 projects throughout Scotland, the majority of which are located within the Central Scotland Green Network area. With over 75% of Scotland’s VDL falling inside the CSGN boundary, the programme has provided crucial investment that has helped to meet the CSGN’s aims, transforming these sites into assets for both the local community and nature to thrive.
For example, last year £982,000 was secured through the programme to deliver two major projects at Avenue End Road in Glasgow and Lionthorn Bing in Falkirk, providing more attractive and biodiverse greenspace for these communities.
Local councils and the Clyde Gateway urban regeneration company have been invited to submit proposals to bid for the £15 million fund in this funding round.
Eligible projects should contribute to the VDLIP’s overarching aims and objectives, which include helping to:
- Enhance places and regenerate communities
- Tackle disadvantage and inequality
- Meet climate change targets
- Attract private investment and create economic growth
In previous rounds, the VDLIP has helped local authorities and other CSGN partners to deliver a range of benefits, including boosting local access to safe and multifunctional greenspaces, improving biodiversity, and developing nature-based solutions. It expands on the CSGN’s vision to transform the environmental wellbeing of central Scotland, with people and nature at its heart. We look forward to reporting on even more inspiring projects that this funding round will bring across the CSGN area.
The closing date for stage one applications for the VDLIP is Friday 23 June 2023 at 5pm.
For more information, visit the Scottish Government website.
