The centre, which sits in a prominent position in the town’s High Street, is a key element of the council’s plans to regenerate and transform the area.

The plans for the Artizan form part of the council’s Levelling Up Fund (LUF) application, with consideration being given to how the pedestrianised shopping precinct can be enhanced to introduce a better link to the town centre, and encourage future investment on the High Street.

Members of the council’s Infrastructure, Regeneration and Economic Development Committee agreed that officers could continue negotiations and conclude the transaction.

Councillor Iain McLaren, convener of the committee, said: “Regenerating Dumbarton Town Centre has always been a council priority and due to changing shopping habits which have been exacerbated by the pandemic it is now more important than ever that we do all we can to help our high streets to thrive.

“The proposed purchase of the Artizan fits with our ambitions as set out in our Levelling Up Fund application, and our desire to make Dumbarton town centre a vibrant, attractive place which is easily accessible by walking, wheeling and cycling.”

Diane Docherty, vice convener, added: “In recent years we have completed a number of regeneration projects in and around the town centre including new housing, the waterfront path and new council offices.

“The proposed purchase of the Artizan Centre takes us a step closer to our proposed Levelling Up Fund project, and will allow us to consider how we can redevelop the site in order to boost footfall in the town centre and encourage future investment.

“We are committed to making these enhancements work for our residents and businesses and will work with them closely as this progresses.”

Other projects included in the Levelling Up Fund bid include the transformation of B-listed Glencairn House into a library, museum and community facility; the creation of a publicly accessible archive in the existing library building; and the completion of the Connecting Dumbarton project to enhance active travel connections between the Town Centre, waterfront path and Dumbarton Central train station.