‘Co-working’ HQ couldbecreatedin vacant building

A ‘co-working’ headquarters could be created at a vacant Crieff building with the help of a scheme borne out of economic problems in Ireland.

It has been announced that Crieff Community Trust (CCT) are interested in taking over the former Perth College UHI learning centre on Lodge Street, but wish to gauge public interest in the idea before proceeding.

With this in mind, a meeting has been arranged to take place at Strathearn Artspace on April 24.

This will consist of two sessions, one at 10am and the other at 6pm, to ascertain residents’ views on the proposed scheme.

Ailsa Campbell, chairwoman of CCT, said she feels the vacant site on Lodge Street “lends itself very well” to a co-working space.

“CCT has expressed its interest in the premises to Strathearn Artspace and hopes to create a co-working space in it this year,” she said.

“We want to bring everyone up to speed on the background of a co-working space and what we see happening going forward, and how people can help shape it into the space they want it to be. It’s got to be created by the users for the users, with the assistance of CCT and George Boyle, founder of the Fumbally Exchange in Dublin.

“He created a thriving co-working space born out of the economic crisis in Dublin in 2008, when so many people lost their jobs. The Fumbally Exchange is the model of how co-working should be.

“Last year, CCT was looking at the Old Refectory in Crieff as it seemed the only option at the time. However, since then, Perth College UHI’s learning centre has left the Lodge Street annex below Strathearn Artspace.

“We are at a really exciting stage. Everything seems to be coming together and we now want people to come on board and make it happen with us.”

Perth College UHI’s learning centre is now located at James Square. For more information on the scheme email crieffcommunity trust@gmail.com.