‘Huge milestone’ for Gatehouse

CELEBRATIONS were held in Gatehouse of Fleet last weekend following a successful community buyout. Residents gathered at the clock tower on Saturday to commemorate the buyout of the former Woodside Garage site, marking a major milestone in the community’s ongoing efforts to create sustainable, affordable housing within Gatehouse of Fleet. The Gatehouse Development Initiative (GDI) – in partnership with South of Scotland Community Housing – intends to transform the former brownfield site into a terrace of seven low-carbon, affordable homes. The homes are intended for local residents – prioritising young adults, key workers and those with a strong connection to Gatehouse – addressing the pressing need for affordable rental housing in the area. The project has received widespread support with large grants from the the Scottish Land Fund, Dumfries and Galloway Council’s Town Centre Living Fund,and the Scottish Government’s Regeneration Capital Grant Fund. [caption id="attachment_67520" align="alignnone" width="1016"]

CELEBRATION . . . Francois van der Zee speaking at the event[/caption] Saturday’s community celebration saw residents gather for a ribbon-cutting ceremony and to view the proposed plans. Project representatives were on hand to answer questions and speak with those interested in future homes. Francois van der Zee, chairman of the GDI, said: “This is a huge milestone for Gatehouse. “For years, local people have been priced out of the housing market. “This project will help ensure that young people and key workers can continue to live and thrive in the town. “We are immensely grateful to the local community, our funding partners and the volunteers who have supported the project so far and to the Scottish Land Fund for recognising the value of this community-led project.” With the land secured, the GDI and its partners will finalise detailed designs, prepare for tender and secure the remaining capital funding needed to begin construction.