Community hub plan for bandstand
Proposals for site in Girvan
Girvan Bandstand is heading into community ownership, the Post can reveal.
And plans are underway to redevelop the historic structure into a cafe and events hub for outdoor and sea activities.
Behind the project is Adventure Centre for Education (ACE), a community-based charity that delivers a wide range of outdoor activity days and training courses to suit individuals and groups of all levels of ability and aspiration.
Announcing the news on social media, The Bandstand Project, who are involved in the scheme with ACE, said: “Our bid to buy the Bandstand was finalised by Ayr Sheriff Court. There were no objections, and that means that the bandstand will soon be in the hands of ACE.
“Once the conveyancing process is complete we will have the keys and be on the road to restoring and refurbishing this iconic building, but for now we want to thank the community for your ongoing supportwe’re excited to have the bandstand back in community hands!”
News of the building’s community asset transfer has been widely welcomed on social media.
Ken McLatchie said: “Good luck, that is an ICON and remembered well in my childhood days, I can remember some concerts there in the 60s.”
And Sharon Rowan said: “Absolutely fantastic. It’s long overdue that the bandstand be restored to its former glory. Well done to all involved.”
Catriona Cochrane added: “Brilliant news, a testament to your collective dedication. Onwards and upwards to an exciting future!”
Last year, South Ayrshire Council launched a public consultation into the possibility of transferring the Stair Park bandstand into community ownership.
At the time they said: “The proposal is for Girvan Bandstand, which is currently derelict and unused, to be sold to a Girvan-based social enterprise and redeveloped by them to create a cafe and events hub with facilities for outdoor and sea activities.
“The proposal has been recommended following a Best Value Assessment undertaken by South Ayrshire Council, as required by The Disposal of Land by Local Authorities (Scotland) Regulations 2010.”
It is anticipated that the redevelopment of the site will yield benefits such as attracting additional visitors and “associated spend” to the local area, “increase capacity and accessibility” of facilities for outdoor and water-based activities for the general public and bring a highly visible but derelict and unused property back into “productive use.”
More details on the ambitious plans for the bandstand are expected to be announced during a public event in June.
The Bandstand Project added: “We’re holding a public event in June where we’ll share our plans for the future of the Bandstand, and we’d love to be able to share photos taken by the community, as well as your stories and memories of the building.”
In a further boost ACE made a successful application for funding to the Architectural Heritage Fund, meaning they have muchneeded cash to begin their ambitious redevelopment project.
The AHF grant, awarded through the William Grant Foundation Tailored Support Fund, will support viability work, including community consultations and workshops; legal fees; the development of a business plan/operational model; and an assessment and report by an ironworks specialist.
Zanne Domoney-Lyttle, Funding Officer for Adventure Centre for Education, said: “Adventure Centre for Education are delighted to receive grant funding towards the Bandstand Project in Girvan.
“This funding means that we can fully plan the next steps of the renovation project, bringing the Bandstand one step closer to being restored and brought back to life for the community of Girvan.”
Girvan Bandstand is a single story building constructed of brick, concrete, wood, tile and ironwork. Built in 1907, it was originally used as a tea kiosk.