Rockfield shares to go on sale this month
Trustees launching the final funding push for Oban’s new £3 million Rockfield Centre have brought in shares experts.
Oban Communities Trust (OCT) opens its community share offer on June 16 to bring in the final £500,000 it needs to refurbish the main building.
Last week, trustees had a training session with Community Shares Scotland to prepare for the launch date.
Shares will be on offer for six weeks until July 31, giving everyone a chance to invest in the centre and make it their own. Friends, family and organisations are being encouraged to pitch in with each other.
People will be able to go along to the Rockfield Centre on Saturday June 16 from 10am to 4pm for an open day and signing up opportunity.
Three years ago the centre was on the brink of demolition but it was saved by the community who wanted to see it turned into a hub supporting arts and culture, history and heritage, and enterprise and education.
Volunteers worked hard to get rid of wet and dry rot and nearly £2 million was raised towards the project. If successful, refurbishment will start in December with the centre opening for business in 2020.
OCT chairman Gordon McNab said: ‘We have already secured the bulk of the money from grants. We are so near the finish line – we only need to raise the last £500,000 from our community share offer to get the centre refurbished and the lights on.’
Since 2009, almost 120,000 people have invested more than £100 million in community share offers to support 350 community businesses throughout the UK.
The Rockfield Centre’s shares will be £50 each with a minimum purchase of £250. Each shareholder will have one vote.
Mr McNab added: ‘Community shares are about what you, your family or business will get from the Rockfield Centre as well as the benefits the centre will bring to Oban and the wider area. As well as the social benefits, there is a strong economic benefit to everyone in the area – more destination activities in Oban will mean more visitors staying and spending in our town, filling bed spaces, food outlets and other visitor attractions. It’s a win-win all round.’
To find out more, go to therockfieldcentre.org.uk, call in at the community huts or contact caroline@therockfieldcentre. org.uk or 07483 308 142.