People across Argyll and Bute can look forward to derelict spaces within our key coastal towns being turned into temporary community assets thanks to the new stalled spaces scheme.

Many of these sites may have plans for future development but this can be often be years away.

This innovative project seeks to empower communities and help them reconnect with their own particular area, building relationships with both the renovated community space and with neighbours and colleagues.

Argyll and Bute Council is administering small grants of up to £2,500 to help properly constituted community groups enhance vacant or derelict land within their town centres.

Information sessions are planned throughout the area where a council team will be able to advise people on what is considered a stalled space, what is a suitable activity and how groups can become properly constituted.

These events are planned as follows:

• Rothesay – Wednesday 29th April, Rothesay Pavilion Café, 11.30am – 2.30pm
• Campbeltown – Thursday 30th April, Aqualibrium, 11.30am – 2.30pm
• Dunoon -  Wednesday 6th May, Queen’s Hall, 11.30am – 2.30pm
• Oban – Friday 8th May, Lorne House, 11.30am – 2.30pm
• Helensburgh – Wednesday 13th May, Victoria Halls, 11.30am – 2.30pm

Applications will be open after these events, with grant awards hopefully being made by the end of June.

At present there is £15,000 to spend, however, if demand is high this could be increased. It is hoped that at least five spaces across the area can be transformed with help from the stalled spaces initiative.

The council would be delighted to offer the help and support of its professional officers to assist communities develop their ideas and to realise their ambitions for their towns.

Head of Economic Development at Argyll and Bute Council, Fergus Murray, said of the project: ‘’This is a great scheme which will help community groups realise their aspirations, accessing extra funding which can help them turn vacant sites into key community assets. These could include outdoor gyms, exhibition spaces, pop-up parks, urban beaches and growing spaces.

‘’In particular the council is looking to support growing, healthy living and youth activity. Hopefully applications come in with ideas for physical or complementary health benefits as well as the themes of outdoor learning and natural play.

‘’Please come along to our events for more information.’’

For anyone who cannot come to one of the events more information is available from the council’s project manager Lorna Pearce at lorna.pearce@argyll-bute.gov.uk or on 01700 501 374

Notes

This scheme is funded through Architecture and Design Scotland

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