Facelifts for Shop Fronts in Dunfermline

Dunfermline Delivers Press releases

An empty shop in one of Scotland’s most historic cities has been given a new lease of life thanks to a facelift administered by Dunfermline Delivers.

Dunfermline Delivers and Fife Council have commission Signplus, a company specialising in revitalising empty shop fronts through the innovative use of 3D graphics, to help spruce up Dunfermline’s empty shops.

Funded by Fife Council the initiative is designed to transform empty shop fronts, using 3D graphics in previously bare windows, to create the allusion of a fully functioning store, in the hopes of attracting more businesses to locate to the area.

The former premises of Café Zenith on the High Street, is the first of to undergo this makeover.

The two unusually curved windows at the front of the shop have been filled with the 3D vinyl images creating the appearance of an art gallery, highlighting the potential for businesses looking to locate to Dunfermline.

Maggie Mitchell, Chief Executive at Dunfermline Delivers, said: “Dunfermline is a beautiful city with so much to offer in terms of shopping and leisure, but unfortunately the economic climate has led to some shop closures, in particular along the High Street.

“Empty shop fronts do not look particularly appealing and they can impact on shoppers, making them feel less inclined to shop in the city centre, which damages other businesses in turn.

“We believe that small businesses can thrive on Dunfermline’s high street and in order to let people see the potential of some of the great and unique spaces available, we decided to use Signplus.”

Not only will shops appear occupied, the unsightly for-sale signs will be incorporated in the design of the vinyl shop front, providing the relevant information to those interested in purchasing or renting the property.

Chair of the council’s City of Dunfermline Area Committee Mike Rumney welcomed the move as another step forward in the council’s aim of regenerating the city centre.

He commented: “Since the very successful City Centre Summit was held last year we’ve made real progress, working with our partners on a number of projects – all with the common goal of making Dunfermline a great place to be.

“Our new visitor orientation boards, the refurbishment of the City Chambers, and a new business grants scheme are already making a difference, and these moves to give empty shops a facelift will go a long way to improving the look and feel of the High Street.

“The council also agreed last week to invest a further £1 million in the city as part of our budget plans. Coupled with the fantastic news that a new state-of-the-art Dunfermline Museum has been given the go ahead, it’s an exciting time for our city.”

Jennifer Breingan, Marketing & Business Development Manager at Signplus, said: “We are delighted to be involved in providing vinyl 3D graphics for Dunfermline shop fronts as we feel it is the perfect location to benefit from this initiative.

“When creating the designs for the shop fronts we looked closely at what the area offered already and tried to come up with business ideas that we think would add to the area.

“In seeking out new and innovative ways to encourage new business and prevent the closure of existing establishments, Dunfermline Delivers are clearly dedicated to making Dunfermline all it can be for businesses and tourists as well as those who live and work there.”

Dunfermline Delivers are committed to using the 3D shop fronts to encourage, in particular independent retailers to take their place on the High Street, providing shoppers with variety and bespoke shops.

The organisation’s recent campaigns have focused on revitalising the city centre, and have included the hugely successful Bruce Festival, one of Fife’s best free events, the Dunfermline Fireworks, Dunfermline Winter Festival and Dunfermline Live.

Dunfermline Delivers unveiled its new brand, Dunfermline – connecting with you in September and launched its new website in October – which will now underpin all its efforts to promote the city as a business, tourism and lifestyle destination