The Circle formally opens for community business

JENNY Marra, the Dundee-based MSP, was formally opening The Circle on Staffa Place at the community hub’s launch party today.

The party marked the start of trading for the Dundee social enterprise which will provide affordable work space to charities, social enterprises and businesses.

At the launch, guests were being shown the potential of the spaces in the building and hearing plans of how it will be developed. At least 120 guests had registered to attend the event.

Ms Marra said: “I am delighted to be opening The Circle Community Hub facility in Dundee. This excellent facility has been the outcome of many months of hard work from all those involved.

“The Circle will be of significant benefit to the community; enabling charities, social enterprises and businesses to work together in a shared space for the common good of Dundee. I look forward to seeing and supporting the exciting work that will come out of this project.”

Guests had a chance to see archive materials from the Claverhouse Group’s time in the building including photos, awards and items made in the workshops.

Jenna Cook, a 4th year Interior & Environmental Design Student, was using a model of the building made by surplus materials in the workshops to canvas opinions about the work space.

Tenants and partners of The Circle were on hand to talk about their work. Star Clean, Shackleton Technologies, Fields in Trust, Along Came Kirsty, Prestige Training and Rathbone were all taking part in an exhibition.

Oor Pirate from the Oor Wullie Bucket Trail was donated for the event by Millies Beach Huts and Gillies & Mackay and in the café space, new social enterprise, The Jam Piece were providing a pop-up café and Red Pepper Events were operating a cash bar.

Jenny Marra MSP