Could Dumbarton‘s *Trompe L'Oeil scheme rescue Carlisle Road?
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Dumbarton in the west of Scotland is to install fake shop fronts to disguise high street stores left vacant in the economic downturn.
West Dunbartonshire Council believes the £20,000 pilot scheme will "improve the look" of the area and is a better alternative to boarded up shop fronts. Two shopjackets already installed, a butchers and a new delicatessen in Dumbarton’s town centre will give the impression that the stores are still occupied.
A similar scheme previously used in England was Whitley Bay which saw a 50% reduction in vacant shopfronts.
Jim McAloon, head of regeneration and economic development at West Dunbartonshire Council, said: "It is no secret that high street shops are struggling in the current financial climate, and across the UK it is estimated that around 13% of stores are vacant.
"Dumbarton has a proud history stretching back to its time as the capital of the ancient kingdom of Strathclyde. However, the rise of out-of-town shopping centres has threatened its commercial prominence.
"As a council we need to be on the front foot to do whatever we can to support our businesses and town centres, especially during these tough economic times.
"Boarded-up shop fronts or vacant stores can have an erosive effect on the high street, bringing down the appearance of the area for existing businesses and turning shoppers away."
*Trompe L'Oeil, pronounced "trum ploy" its meaning translates "to deceive the eye”
