Cleaning up in Calders
THE CALDERS RESIDENTS ASSOCIATION (CRA) has been
working hard on the paperwork to advance a community asset transfer of the former janitor’s house in the grounds of
Sighthill Primary School.
There had been some months since the group applied to the council, but as we went to press CRA was about to have a meeting with council officers to discuss the next stage.
The residents obtained £12,000 of feasibility funding from the Scottish Land Fund at the end of 2020 for a business plan. They appointed Lee Boyd Architects to draft up new plans for a community hub which show how the residents would reuse an existing building for local organisations to use. Inside it would be a flexible space and the grounds outside would become a community garden. The CRA’s five year business plan also shows opportunities for new jobs for locals.
Caroline Bruce, Secretary of CRA, said: “During the pandemic volunteers distributed food parcels and meals to local people from the community flat. Our community centre at the back of the Calders shops was taken away about eight years ago.
“It was well laid out and had everything we needed but we have had nothing since - even Gate 55 has been a Covid test centre. We really need something in the community. CRA Chair Michelle Robson and I have spoken about this for a few years now.
“Now with a meeting planned we can move to the next stage and find out what the council want to do with the building. We heard before that they planned to turn it into a car park.”
Cllr Neil Gardiner said: “This is an interesting initiative from the local community using SNP government legislation to support community empowerment.”
Cllr Ricky Henderson said: “I am aware of the community asset transfer for the former janitor’s house, and I am very supportive in principle of this taking place.”