The Scottish Government has awarded Dumfries and Galloway Council £1.57 million funding to transform Lochvale House in Georgetown, Dumfries, into a vibrant, sustainable community hub and employment centre, supporting over 5,000 local residents and tackling poverty and inequality in some of Dumfries’ most deprived areas.
The project, led by Let’s Get Sporty Community Trust in partnership with Dumfries and Galloway Council, will deliver a 395m² extension to the existing facility. The new space will include a soft play area, cafe, training and meeting rooms, and accessible amenities, creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all ages.
The expansion will enable the Trust to double the capacity of its flagship Let’s Get Employed Programme, supporting up to 120 participants per year with training, mentoring, and employment pathways. The programme is a key part of the council’s commitment to the Scottish Government’s Best Start, Bright Futures: Tackling Child Poverty Delivery Plan.
Ian Blake, Chair of Dumfries and Galloway Council’s Economy and Infrastructure Committee said:
“We are delighted with the news that this significant project in Georgetown, Dumfries has been awarded such a substantial amount of money from Scottish Government in recognition of its value to the local community. This achievement is a testament to the power of partnership, community vision, and long-term investment in local infrastructure.”Vice chair of the committee, Jackie McCamon added:
“This is fantastic news. Our council actively promotes Community Asset Transfers for this very reason – to provide ownership to local community groups of significant local buildings, to safeguard them for the future, and to provide opportunities and venues to address local requirements. In addition, the employment pathways will provide a welcome boost to the local economy. This is good news all round.”Chair of the Let’s Get Sporty Community Trust (name) said:
“We are excited with the news that the council has secured the £1.57 million funding for us. This marks a historic point in our journey, because as a result we have now achieved 100% of the £2.8 million we need to expand the services we offer and ensure that Lochvale House remains a vital community asset for generations to come. I would like to thank our key partners – Dumfries and Galloway Council, Holywood Trust and South of Scotland Enterprise with all their help and support. Without them and our other funders, none of this would have been possible. This achievement reflects the power of partnership and shared vision in building stronger, more resilient communities.”
The expanded Let’s Get Employed Programme will focus on communities in Dumfries Central and North West, where some areas rank among the most deprived in Scotland. The programme supports people into work through skills development, confidence building, and structured placements.
Funding and Delivery
The total project cost of £2.8 million includes capital works and professional fees. Funding has already been secured from South of Scotland Enterprise, Holywood Trust and Dumfries and Galloway Council’s Community Led Economic Regeneration Framework, with the Trust acting as the council’s delivery partner.
The project will be delivered by the Trust through its sister organisation, Let’s Get Sporty Community Interest Company, in collaboration with over 15 public and third sector partners including NHS Dumfries and Galloway, Skills Development Scotland, and Dumfries and Galloway College.
