17 projects revealed in £20m regeneration plans

RESTORING derelict buildings, establishing youth groups and celebrating heritage are just some of the projects receiving funds in the first phase of a £20 million regeneration of Dumfries.

The Dumfries Town Board has selected a mix of proposals as part of its Pride of Place programme to receive a share of the UK Government’s levelling up funding.

A wide variety of projects are benefitting from the ten-year investment, including funds for the Theatre Royal to repair its leaking roof; as well as money to establish community activities within the Loreburn Centre.
Other projects getting support in year one are:

• New digital display boards at Ewart Library showcasing local events and celebrating local heritage.
• Free online training programmes through North West Dumfries Community Development Network.
• Dumfries Business Action to increase footfall and town centre activity and improve the visitor experience.
• A Dumfries Digital Town Hub bringing together news, events and businesses in an app for local people and visitors.
• Friday night youth group at Bouldover Climbing Centre.
• Invest in High Street properties through the Midsteeple Quarter High Street Regeneration.
• Secure long-term sustainability of Loreburn Hall to improve the building and provide a community event space.
• Community-led project uncovering untold stories of Dumfries.
• Improve the riverside space in front of Rosefield Mills.

Town Board chair Kenny Bowie explained: “This is effectively year one and we get half a million because effectively in your first year it is always a bit harder just getting up to speed.
“Through an expression of interest process, we outlined the money available, asking people if they want to be part of this and apply for funding.
“As you can imagine, we were over subscribed. What we decided to do year one is that we’re going for actual deliverable projects, things that were more tangible. A number of them weren’t ready, so we’ll catch them in year two to year three.”

Since the drop-in sessions opened last Thursday members of the board have met scores of people, many of them enthusiastic about seeing projects take shape.

Kenny added: “What is particularly exciting is that these are practical, deliverable projects that are ready to move forward now and spend Pride in Place Funds responsibly.
“They will help create jobs, attract visitors, improve our environment, support local organisations, and build confidence in Dumfries as a place to live, work, invest and visit.
“This is just the beginning of our long-term vision for Dumfries, and we look forward to working with partners and the wider community to make that vision a reality.”