Midsteeple Quarter invite the community to their forthcoming community consultation and information event for the next phase of their project – plans for the acquisition of nos. 111 and 121 High Street. Midsteeple Quarter are a community led regeneration initiative by people of Dumfries to create a new high street, with a mixture of retail, enterprise, social, leisure and housing.
After these difficult times and as we build back better, we know that reinventing a new
kind of High Street will be a vital part of our community’s recovery and Midsteeple
Quarter want you to play your part in that and share your ideas. They want you to have
your say about the next stage in the project and the possibility it offers Dumfries to
reclaim the high street.
Construction work will begin on the first building purchased, known as The
Oven, in Autumn 2020, and the community benefit society is continuing to
purchase neighbouring empty properties. Community Enterprise has been
appointed to produce a feasibility study and business plan for the acquisition
and development of two units within the Midsteeple Quarter. Involving our
community in the Midsteeple Quarter vision is our first priority at all times. They
want the community to suggest ideas for the use of the two buildings No. 111
and 121 High Street as they are looking to take ownership of them. Your ideas
will be fed into the feasibility study and inform a business plan for their possible
purchase.
Have your say and let them know what you think these two properties could be
used for. A simple online poll to share your ideas, all you have to do is click to
vote for your favourite idea, and you can also suggest new ideas too. The
deadline is Sunday the 9th August.
At the community consultation people will see the architect s vision for the High Street,
with research information gathered about the heritage of Dumfries and where their
ideas have been inspired by. These ideas include high quality housing available at
affordable rents, sustainable retail space suited to new local enterprise businesses,
spaces for the community and flexible working.
The purpose of the exhibition is to show the feasibility study for the next phase of the
project. In order to raise the money to implement the final ideas the organisation need
feedback from the people of Dumfries.
Scott Mackay, Chair of The Midsteeple Quarter Board, commented: We are pleased to
be taking another step forward with the ongoing acquisition of empty buildings in
Dumfries High Street. It is the community that are making this happen and their ideas
and aspirations for the town are the key to turning its prospects around.”People ideas and opinions have been at the core of Midsteeple Quarter from the get-go.
It’s really important that people come out and share their views about this exciting next
stage. Midsteeple Quarter are keen to hear people s ideas and opinions. It s important
from them to listen to what the community have to say. They know there s so much
knowledge and experience locally, that s what their vision needs to be based upon.
Even if you ve not been involved in the project before, this is your chance to find out
about one of the most exciting things happening in your town. The exhibition will be
open to the public on Friday 14th August and Saturday 15th August from 11am until
4pm at The Oven, 135-139 High Street, Dumfries. More information on their website:
www.midsteeplequarter.org. COVID-19 restrictions will in place, so please wear your
mask!
