Three major community projects in mid and upper Nithsdale have moved a step closer towards getting funding.
The projects – in Thornhill, Sanquhar and Kelloholm – were put forward by Dumfries and Galloway Council for funding from the Scottish Government’s Regeneration Capital Grant Fund in June, and have this week learned that the applications have been recommended to move to the final stage.
The Regeneration Capital Grant Fund is in its 8th round, and competition from across Scotland is fierce. This year, the Scottish Government received 106 bids from local authorities across Scotland for projects amounting to £107 million against a funding pot that is typically around £20 million each year. The three projects in Mid and Upper Nithsdale made it to the short list, and the Council has been invited to prepare detailed bids for each project for submission in early November.
All three groups are now working together in the hope that all will receive final funding approval early next year. If successful, construction on all of the projects will start in around 12 months’ time, bringing over £5 million worth of new investment and helping this rural district to bounce back from the economic impact of the pandemic.
Rob Davidson, Chair of Dumfries and Galloway Council’s Economy and Resources Committee said: “We are thrilled that the dedication and commitment of Thornhill Old School Trust, Upper Nithsdale Arts & Crafts Community Initiative, and Kirkconnel and Kelloholm Development Trust to develop projects for their communities is being encouraged. We are hopeful that by shortlisting all three projects, the Scottish Government recognises how important it is to help Dumfries and Galloway Council to bring much needed investment to regenerating more rural areas like mid and upper Nithsdale.”
Archie Dryburgh, Vice Chair said: “This is good news. If successful, two of the projects – in Thornhill and Sanquhar – will help local community groups to repurpose empty buildings and bring them back into use, creating new space for community activities and events, new space that will help local businesses to grow, and will create much needed new jobs and boost tourism to the area. Meanwhile, the Kelloholm project will see the derelict site of the former Kelloholm Arms completely revitalised by the construction of a new multi purpose Skills & Innovation Centre that will provide help to jobseekers from across the district to improve their skills and get access to better jobs.”
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