February 2, 2021
Partners in regeneration
Although the relationship between local and national government has never been a particularly easy one, if some of those tensions could be resolved on a permanent basis, we would undoubtedly all reap the dividends. It’s why the Local Governance Review is such an important piece of work. But, despite their differences, our two tiers of government frequently manage to collaborate to great effect. A sterling example of this partnership working was announced last week with 26 community organisations receiving very significant capital investments – many of the awards being in the £1m+ category.
More than £25 million is going to disadvantaged and remote communities around Scotland to support regeneration and employment projects.
The Victoria Road school in Aberdeen
A project led by Torry Development Trust and Grampian Housing Association to transform the 19th Century Victoria Road school in Aberdeen into affordable housing received £1.4 million from the Regeneration Capital Grant Fund (RCGF), which will go to 26 projects to tackle inequalities and deliver inclusive growth.
Over 400 business and organisations will benefit from the projects which will support or create more than 1220 jobs as well as thousands of training places by refurbishing and bringing back into use 26 empty buildings to provide space for community enterprises.
Communities secretary Aileen Campbell said: “Together with COSLA we have invested almost £200m through this fund since 2014 in support of locally-led regeneration projects which help to build the resilience and wellbeing of communities. I am pleased that a further 26 projects will benefit from the fund as we look to a period of recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We have had to lead our lives locally, pulling together more as communities, to see off the many challenges arising from coronavirus. This latest round of investment into local projects continues our ongoing support for vibrant and accessible town centres and communities.”
COSLA’s environment and economy spokesperson Councillor Steven Heddle said: “This work has never been more important as we look to rebuild from the devastating impact of COVID-19. Recovery from the virus must be fair to our communities and promote inclusivity, growth and wellbeing.
“The innovative projects announced today can empower our communities to deliver better places to live and work.”
Among the projects being funded this year is The Old Clyne School Redevelopment Project in Brora, Highland. It will redevelop a derelict C-listed building to become a community-owned museum and heritage centre, and to be a base for the Clyne Heritage Society.
Dr Nick Lindsay, chairman of the Clyne Heritage Society, said: “This is the best news that we could have hoped for, in what has been a very difficult year. This should unlock the final ‘brick-in-the-wall’ funds from other funding partners, so we can deliver this major development for Brora.
“We can now fulfil our dreams by regenerating the Old Clyne School into a must-visit destination, transforming a current eyesore into a welcome attraction for the whole community and future generations.”
The projects to receive an offer of a grant in 2021-22 are as follows:
Aberdeen City Council Victoria Road School Community Element £1,408,965
Aberdeenshire Council Number 30, The Square £2,490,903
Argyll and Bute Council Kilmory Park Zones 1, 2 & 4, Lochgilphead £650,000
Argyll and Bute Council Port Ellen Community Hub £746,223
Argyll and Bute Council Scalasaig Business Units £335,000
City of Edinburgh Council Granton Station; Enterprise Hub £1,236,150
City of Edinburgh Council Nourishing Leith Hub £944,744
Comhairlie nan Eilean Siar Leverhulme Community Hub £300,000
Dundee City Council Camperdown Community Growing Hub £899,305
East Dunbartonshire Council Twechar Outdoor Pursuits Training and Education Centre £1,100,000
Fife Council Town House Community Hub – Inverkeithing £475,000
Glasgow City Council The Meat Market Sheds Regeneration Project £2,640,000
Glasgow City Council Greater Pollok Community Learning Hub £600,000
Glasgow City Council SWG3: Yardworks Street Arts Hub £500,000
Highland Council Old Clyne School Redevelopment into new Heritage Centre £982,793
Highland Council Raasay Community Pontoon £442,858
Inverclyde Council The Inverclyde Shed | Meet, Make + Share £504,804
Inverclyde Council Community Hub , KGVI £1,184,000
North Ayrshire Council The Regeneration of Millport Town Hall £1,500,000
North Ayrshire Council Stevenston Beach Hub £130,000
North Lanarkshire Council Reeltime, Motherwell – Music Studios & Creative Hub £1,171,270
North Lanarkshire Council Springhill Community Hub £790,000
Perth and Kinross Council The Perth Y Centre £1,500,000
Scottish Borders Council Yetholm Community Asset Regeneration Project £133,710
South Ayrshire Council Enterprising Carrick £729,659
West Dunbartonshire Council Viresco Studios and Arts Centre £750,000