Dumfries and Galloway Council submitted several applications to the joint COSLA and Scottish Government Regeneration Capital Grant Fund (RCGF) towards the end of 2019.
The Council are very pleased to hear that a number of the applications put forward have been successful.
D&G Council will now be able to allocate £400,000 for Glentrool Community Enterprise Hub, £1,349,488 for Whithorn Sustainable Tourism and Community Hub Project and £1,200,000 towards the Midsteeple Quarter: The Oven Project.
Through a process of complete renovation and refurbishment by the Glentrool and Bargrennan Community Trust, the former village school will be substantially upgraded to provide a high quality community facility that can also provide accommodation and services for the visitors. These works will result in the creation of the Glentrool Community Enterprise Hub.
Whithorn Sustainable Tourism and Community Hub is being delivered as a partnership project with our Council working collaboratively with the All Roads Lead to Whithorn charitable trust, a sister of The Whithorn Trust, to secure the future of the New Town Hall. The project will consist of the complete refurbishment of the category C listed Victorian building.
The Oven Project will re-develop a high-profile town centre site in Dumfries town centre, currently comprising two disused buildings, to form a high-quality creative industries incubator hub, together with affordable housing for rent. The RCGF funding towards this project is specifically to support the development of the Enterprise element of the project.
Our Council will continue to provide support to each of these projects as they develop. Investments will help increase tourism, particularly with the project in Whithorn, as well as boosting economic and social activities and opportunities across Dumfries and Galloway.
Chair of the Council’s Economy and Resources Committee, Rob Davidson said: “I am delighted that we have been so successful in our funding bid on behalf of these very worthwhile projects. This money will provide a great boost to our local economy. This type of rural development work approach is key to furthering community empowerment, to make the most of local assets, and to address some of the challenges that living in a remote rural area can often present.”
Vice Chair, Archie Dryburgh said: “This is essential funding towards regeneration in our region. Our investment leads to further external investment in other projects through knock-on effects. We will work collaboratively on these projects to help make the most of the money available and to ensure it is spent in the best way possible to ensure maximum opportunities for our Communities.”
Photo attached, l-r:
Sue Clark, Vice Chair Glentrool and Bargrennan Community Trust:
Scott Mackay, Midsteeple Manager, The Oven:
Cllr Rob Davidson, Chaire Economy and Resources Committeee:
Cllr Archie Dryburgh, Vice Chair Economy and Resources Committeee:
Hazel Smith, All Roads Lead to Whithorn Charitable Trust.
