Work to encourage enterprise and create new opportunities in Dumfries town centre is on the cusp of exciting success.
That’s the view of Jakob Kaye, the recently-appointed enterprise manager at Midsteeple Quarter.
He is in discussion with a range of organisations interested in bringing new ideas to the High Street and is exploring ways of helping them to achieve their goals.
“It’s really quite inspiring to be out talking to people and hearing the many and varied ideas they have,” said Jakob. “So often they just need the right space and the right partners to help make things happen for them.
“We’re working really hard to try and bring all of those things together – and I really do believe that we will see some special things coming together in the not too distant future.
“Despite all of the challenges which are out there, there is a real desire from people to be in Dumfries and see what part they can play in creating a new future for Dumfries town centre, creating even more reasons for people to want to live, work and visit here.”
Midsteeple Quarter (MSQ) is a community benefit society owned by – and working for – the people of Dumfries. It has taken six buildings into community ownership in the past six years.
Talks are taking place with a new era soon to dawn for MSQ as its transformation of the former Baker’s Oven site into The Standard closes in on completion.
It will include enterprise, workshop and community spaces unlike anything else in the town, as well as the seven flats that will sit above them.
The growing optimism about strengthening a springboard for new enterprise ideas also comes as two more organisations move into 111 High Street, another MSQ-owned building.
Julian Forster is setting up a by-appointment micro art and curios gallery there, with Maryna Muzychenko and Albina Solovei, who moved to Dumfries from Ukraine, setting up a candle and jewellery-making workshop on the first floor.
Both join Flourish – the gift shop and refillery operated by Leah Halliday which showcases and provides a platform for creative talent from across the region – in the building.
As well as The Standard and 111 High Street, Midsteeple Quarter also owns 109 High Street – currently home to Dumfries Town Board – as well as The Smithy and The Press, which operate as pop-up shop, event and exhibition spaces.
Jakob said: “The beauty of the spaces we have available are in their diversity – and the ways in which they can be used. The opportunities we have will move to a new level with the completion of The Standard.
“But it’s not just about that. All of the community-owned buildings we have available offer something different – and we’re in discussion with people about some really innovative uses for them, including how the magnificent former printworks space at the rear of The Press can be better used.”
Big Burns’ Supper is among those to have recently used the space.
Kathryn Hill, Midsteeple Quarter’s interim executive director, added: “It’s been great to see Jakob out and about, highlighting the growing opportunities we have to help people launch and grow enterprises on the High Street.
“People want to be creative with events and attractions which will pull more people into the town centre. Everything we do is based on partnership working and we’re forging new connections all of the time.”
Jakob’s role with Midsteeple Quarter has been made possible thanks to funding from the Holywood Trust.
One area which he specifically hopes to develop further is encouraging entrepreneurship among younger people in Dumfries.
“It’s really exciting to be working with young people in this role,” Jakob said. “It’s so important that we get a real understanding of what they want from their High Street and how they would like to see it develop.
“Midsteeple Quarter is all about helping to create a town centre that’s fit for the future, so the voices of the very people whose future everyone is working for are so important.”
Anyone who would like to discuss an opportunity to potentially work with Midsteeple Quarter on an enterprise idea – or who like to look at how their enterprise can perhaps move to a new level in Dumfries High Street – can email Jakob on [email protected].
