Mon 26th October 2009

Community Craft Initiative Scoops Major Lottery Award

The Directors of West Kilbride Community Initiative Limited WKCIL were absolutely delighted this week when the Big Lottery announced their decision to award £870,560 from the Growing Community Assets programme towards the  development of the former Barony Church into a cutting edge Craft Centre.  After over a year of planning and meticulous preparation by the Barony Project Team, the Lottery Committee recognised the quality of the scheme and the inspiration it would be both locally and nationally by approving one of the largest grants made in Scotland.  This award provides significant recognition for the outstanding application, the imaginative development of the building and the enormous community benefit which the planned  activities will be able to provide.

The application was prepared by Craft Development Manager, Maggie Broadley, who was praised for her dogged determination to succeed in achieving a grant from the Big Lottery. Known for her commitment to West Kilbride, Maggie’s professional background in craft work gave insight, breadth and depth to the application but the perseverance and foresight  of local people were the inspiration behind the vision. Dedicated to making West Kilbride a better place to live work and visit, this initiative has been led by local residents, people with a passionate belief in the regeneration of  their  small rural town.

Maggie said of her five years working alongside the WKCIL. "No one could help but be inspired by the spirit of everyone involved, these people are true heroes who aren’t just content to sit back and watch the community die.  The support given since I came here in 2004 has been tremendous"

The actual design of the building was influenced by local resident and nationally renowned architect Angus Kerr and the completed building will provide a magnet of interest across Scotland.  The elevated studio pods will stand proudly above a spacious exhibition area and the completed piece will be a fitting next step in the journey of this much loved building.  There is no doubt that the community owned building has been saved by this initiative.

Developments are already underway and will be established when the building is completed.  Steps are being taken to engage many groups in the planning of activities and in managing the Centre.  The purpose built facilities will take Craft Town Scotland to a new level and will involve highly renowned crafters exhibiting their work, and leading workshops with the very youngest to the very oldest members of our communities.  It is intended to attract visitors from many areas and local transport is readily available both by bus and train.  Plans are also being discussed for further parking for cars and coaches.

Eddie Wood, Chairperson of WKCIL said “There is still work to be done to secure the match funding but the Directors believe the development of this Centre will play a significant part in securing the long term future of the village. I would like to thank everyone who has supported us, with special mention to our local fundraisers.”

The Barony Centre will provide a national and local focus and will increase interest in the town for the already established craft studios and local traders.  No one is being complacent about the challenges ahead but as local groups network together, and complement each others activities, the future is definitely growing and glowing.

Website Link: http://www.biglotteryfund.org.uk/pr_261009_sco_gca_lottery_supports_enterprising?regioncode=-sco

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