
Holmes Mackillop solicitor Sean Fraser has called for a fresh version of the Business Premises Renovation Allowance (BPRA) to be introduced to help address dilapidation in Glasgow city centre.
BPRA, which ran for a decade until 2017, was conceived to provide an incentive to bring derelict or unused properties back into use by giving an initial allowance of 100% for expenditure on converting or renovating unused business premises in disadvantaged areas.
“The reintroduction of BPRA could help bring disused commercial properties back into use while easing the housing crisis by addressing the lack of affordable residential properties in Glasgow city centre,” he said.
“If a fresh approach to BPRA could see it repurposed to allow the conversion of empty office buildings into residential use on the condition that these new housing units are subsequently let rather than sold, then that has the potential to attract residents back into the city centre while helping address the lack of affordable housing in Glasgow city centre.”
Fraser, an associate in Holmes Mackillop’s commercial property team, suggests that such a repurposed BPRA could also help protect Glasgow’s celebrated architectural heritage, much of which is widely acknowledged to be at risk.
ENDS
For further information please contact on Sean Fraser on tel 0141 226 4942
Issued on behalf of Holmes Mackillop by Liquorice Media tel 0141 332 4935 www.liquorice-media.com
Date: 31 Jan25