The Galloway Glens Scheme runs until September 2023 and as part of an ongoing review of funding allocations and requirements, has been able to make a new award of £20,000 towards the work to refurbish New Galloway’s Town Hall.
Local Initiatives in New Galloway (LING) is leading an ambitious project to refurbish and renovate the New Galloway Town Hall. This iconic building in the middle of the Town has a long history, with the current structure largely dating from late 19th century. The building, in the process of changing in ownership from Dumfries & Galloway Council to LING, is in desperate need of attention, particularly a detailed energy audit, heating system upgrade and accessibility improvements, including a lift.
At their February meeting, the Partnership Board of the Galloway Glens Scheme agreed to use a projected scheme underspend to support the proposed £300,000 refurbishment project with a contribution of £20,000, a portion of the Galloway Glens Scheme’s £2.7million award from the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
McNabb Laurie, Galloway Glens Team leader, said:
The Galloway Glens Scheme only has another 18 months to run, but the Partnership Board are keen that we remain nimble to exploit every opportunity to draw down as much of our overall grant as possible for the benefit of the communities of the Ken/Dee Valley. As project underspends are identified across our portfolio, we will be keeping this opportunity under review. We are so grateful to the National Lottery Heritage Fund for their initial award, but also their support of this approach. We promise not to exhaust their enthusiasm and flexibility in coming months!
A new project at this stage of the Scheme must not be taken on lightly, with a tighter period allowed for delivery, but we are delighted to amplify LING’s other funding successes to deliver the best access and energy efficiency improvements in the hall with an offer of £20,000 in support.
Bob Glaister, LING Treasurer, is delighted with this offer of funding:
“We have been working flat out with the community to raise as much as possible for the renovation of the New Galloway Town Hall and this wonderful contribution will take us to a sum which should allow us to complete the major elements of our plan. The LING Board thanks the Partnership Board for their financial support and also for their public show of confidence in the importance of the Town Hall to the Glenkens.”
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