Public Opinions Sought On The Future Of Iconic Town Centre Building

Following last month’s announcement of a successful funding application from Dumfries & Galloway Council’s Town Centre Capital Fund, The Guild (Dumfries) CIC are giving the public an opportunity to discuss their thoughts and ideas with the directors and volunteers from at a live event in Queensberry Square on Saturday 8th August between 11am – 2pm.

The funding has allowed The Guild to commission Creetown Initiative Ltd. to conduct a feasibility study into the possible asset transfer of the former British Linen Bank in Dumfries town centre. The Guild would love to hear from you if you are interested in finding out more about this project and helping to shape the future of this iconic town centre building.

“Your answers will greatly help us to ascertain the types of facilities, events and services required by our community of makers & producers. Ensuring that we create a business model that will directly meet the needs of makers, producers, artists and the community as a whole” says director Natalie Farrell

Over the last 2 years during the projects, events, makers markets and festivals organised so far, The Guild have worked with over 100 makers, producers and collaborated with many other organisations, charities and businesses from across the region.

They have embarked on a series of community engagement events aimed at tailoring the plans to the communities needs and requirements. Their hugely successful Pop Up Shop in the Loreburne Centre in August last year, saw up to 1000 visitors per day over a two-week period. This was one such exercise which gave them a superb opportunity to gauge public opinion, gain feedback, collect evidence to endorse their plans and test the business model would be sustainable.

Director Kirsten Scott says, “We want to continue to nurture and grow the partnerships we have already made at our previous events and share the idea of our community space to the people of Dumfries. We are keen to hear from makers, creatives and producers and the wider public to discuss the initial plans and possible uses for the The Linen Bank. This is so we have a clearer understanding of how the building might be used, how we can best meet the needs of users and to establish the projects viability”

The public are encouraged to safely attend this open air event, wearing masks please. Hand sanitisation and social distancing measures will be in place for the protection of all. The Guild will be sharing lots more details in the coming weeks so you can join the conversation about this exciting next stage.

“We can’t wait to find out if our initial ideas are feasible and viable so we can take over this very special and underused building and create a collective and volunteer run space for independent, community led, creative and cultural based projects. Wouldn’t it be marvellous if this could be our home and a place for the community and makers alike to meet, learn, participate, create and flourish!” adds director Leah Halliday