Vision for co-op heritage site becomes clearer with funding
A planned visitor attraction telling the story of Scotland’s co-operative societies has secured funding of £1.9 million from the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
The award is a major to boost to West Calder and Harburn Community Development Trust’s efforts to redevelop a former Co-op bakery in West Lothian.
The Scottish Co-operative Discovery Centre in West Calder supports the Trust’s vision to celebrate Scotland’s history as a leader in the development of the cooperative movement, both in the UK and globally.
The community-based charity is now urging local residents, organisations and businesses to support a Community Share Offer in a final push to achieve its £6m fundraising goal.
Along with community space, events space and café, the redevelopment plan also makes provision for autism and additional needs support services.
Caroline Clark, National Lottery Heritage Fund Director for Scotland, said: “In keeping with the roots of the co-operative movement this project has engaged with local people and delivered opportunities for them to get involved. The building itself is an important part of the heritage of the community and the cooperative movement. This project will give it a new life … celebrating and sharing the story of Scottish coIn operatives and creating new opportunities for local people.”
Gavin Henderson, chairman of the Trust, said: “The Scottish Co-operative Discovery Centre project has been designed and led by our community to deliver what our community said they wanted. It will be a celebration of our heritage, a supportive resource for our community and a boost for local businesses.”
2022, the National Lottery Heritage Fund agreed development support of £218,800 to the Trust, enabling the project to progress to this point, and in January last year the Scottish Government’s Regeneration Capital Grant Fund made a £1.4m commitment. A further £550,000 has been secured from the government’s Community Ownership Fund. The share offer aims to raise £250,000.
The project has been designed and led by our community to deliver what they wanted