A new £2million community hub is to be created by Procast at Port Ellen on the island of Islay.
The hugely important 40-week project will involve the construction of the new hub, together with associated infrastructure and landscaping works and the erection of a new WC block for the existing motorhome park.
The completed complex will include a social enterprise café with bakery facilities, community/function space, office rental space, storage rental space as well as an office for the South Islay Development Trust, and it will encourage greater community engagement and collaboration while supporting future community regeneration across the whole island.
Scheduled to start in June, 2023, the project will involve:
Community hub pavillion
Toilet/shower/laundry block
Other works include new new parking facilities, relocation of existing play area, foundations, utility installations, erection of timber kit, Glulam feature columns, silicone render, glazed curtain walling, solar PV, windows and doors, stud partitions, ceilings, kitchen facilities, access-controlled entrance doors, lighting, electrical installations, mechanical and ventilation installations, formation and fit-out of bathroom facilities, floor coverings, decoration, roller shutters, footpaths, bin stores and soft and hard landscaping works.
Logistically, the project will be challenging, as Procast will be looking to employ and procure locally as much as possible.
Also, access to adjacent Ramsey Hall, playing fields – which serve as the local emergency helipad point – and bowling green have to be maintained at all times.
The neighbouring petrol station and existing motorhome site will remain in operation, so steps will have to be taken to maintain day-to-day operations
A phased handover to open areas up to the public as soon as they are ready, in particular the playpark, has also been agreed.
Operationally, the works will be headed up by Contracts Manager Derek Davidson and Commercially by Commercial Manager John Patrick, both of whom will be supported by Buyer Jennifer Strain.
A Procast spokesman said: “We are extremely proud to have been entrusted by South Islay Developments to deliver these exciting new buildings and associated infrastructure.
“Both Rosie Maclennan and Patrick McGrann, of SID, have been a huge source of information – their passion for this project has really resonated with our team.
“And we are really looking forward to working alongside the clients consultants Bruach Architects, Armour Construction Consultants, Narro Associates and Kilbryde Consulting Engineers, with whom we had a hugely productive meeting recently.”
SID owns and manages community buildings and land, safeguarding these important spaces for the community, and reinvesting profits to create long-term economic, social and environmental benefits.
For the past eight years SID, as a community anchor organisation, has led the community-based regeneration of South Islay in consultation with local people and organisational groups.
A spokesman said: “SID are excited that construction work is finally due to begin on the playing fields in May 2023.
“We would like to extend a big thank you to the project funders, all of whom have continued to provide support despite numerous project delays.
“Funding has been received from the Scottish Government’s Regeneration Capital Grant Fund, Visit Scotland’s Rural Tourism Infrastructure Fund, Highlands & Islands Enterprise, The Glenmorangie Company, the Scottish Government’s Rural & Island Communities Ideas into Action fund, delivered by Inspiring Scotland, Argyll & Bute Council, the Scottish Government’s Islands Infrastructure Fund, the Scottish Government’s Investing in Communities Fund, The Suez Communities Trust, South Islay Trading Company, Elixir Distillers, the Scottish Government’s Community and Renewable Energy Scheme (CARES), managed by Local Energy Scotland, The Garfield Weston Foundation and Islay Energy Trust.”
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