Town hub project is boosted by cash windfall

A NEW community hub for Monifieth is within touching distance after a “gamechanging” £250,000 cash windfall.

The group behind the Blue Seaway project is celebrating after Angus councillors signed off the six-figure boost in their final meeting of 2021.

And it has raised hopes work will get going on the long-awaited hub in 2022.

It will have community space, a fitness suite, cafe, Changing Places toilet and potential for cinema screenings.

Monifieth Community Resource Group (MCRG) was one of a string of Angus groups to receive money under the Place Based Investment Fund.

The money is part of a £720,000 Scottish Government allocation to support community-led regeneration projects.

And MCRG chairwoman Jean Lee said it was the perfect festive gift.

“This is a gamechanger for us,” she said. “It now takes us over the £1 million mark and it puts us within £100,000 of our target of £1.15m.

“We have a couple of funders waiting in the wings who I’m sure will now feel confident about committing to our project.

“Let’s hope it acts as a catalyst more widely too.”

Councillors granted planning permission for the hub in November 2019.

MCRG hope it will be used by more than 50 local organisations.

Monifieth and Sidlaws councillor Beth Whiteside said: “There isn’t a community group that deserves this more.

“They have put so much work into the project.”

Fellow ward member Craig Fotheringham said: “Jean Lee and her team have worked hard to bring a community facility to the waterfront in Monifieth.

“This will allow them to meet their shortfall.”

Other projects to receive money is the ambitious Seaton Park community sports hub at the former home of Arbroath Sporting Club.

And Brechin City FC community trust will get £50k to take forward hub plans at Glebe Park.

There will also be £50k for the resurfacing of paths at Kirriemuir Den.