The programme, which is funded by the Scottish Government, was open to applications for capital projects that support local economic development and regeneration such as environmental improvements to neighbourhoods and greenspaces or making better use of land and existing buildings.

Applications had to demonstrate support for their initiative from the local East Renfrewshire community and the fund was open to community groups, public, private and third sector organisations, charities and housing associations.

The approved projects include:

• Auchenback outdoor space - creating a new community space outside the Centre with seating to allow outdoor activity and expansion of their café.
• Newton Avenue play park - Barrhead Housing Association will create a new play park to support the well-being of young people in the area.
• Off Grid community food growing project & learning spaces - expansion of their existing environmental learning activities in Clarkston.
• Hugh Fraser Estate community hub - the Retail Trust will improve the community hub in Crookfur House at the heart of the retirement village.

Environment and Housing convener, Councillor Danny Devlin, said: “This fund is a fantastic regeneration opportunity for our towns and villages so I’m really pleased to see these projects have been approved. We are committed to improving and upgrading areas across East Renfrewshire and this funding allows the community to get involved and get projects moving. We’ve already seen some great activity through this programme and I look forward to seeing these new projects get underway in the near future.”

East Renfrewshire Council is set to receive around £2.3m over the lifespan of the programme.

These newly approved bids follow on from last year’s successful applications including improvements to Busby Glen play area, new digital information signs across East Renfrewshire, festive lights in Neilston and Young Enterprise’s business start-up space in Rouken Glen.