A HUGE grant has been awarded to make the old Warehouse Theatre a “one stop shop” for the Lossiemouth community.
The plans to completely renovate the space, spearheaded by the Lossie 2-3 Group, have been awarded £270,200 from the Regeneration Capital Grant Fund (RCGF).
When finished, the Lossiemouth Community Hub will provide affordable childcare, addiction counselling, debt advice, employability advice, IT training and literacy training.
Yvonne Murray, chairperson of Lossie 2-3 Group’s board said it was difficult to comprehend the difference the new funds would make.
She said: “I just can’t fathom these figures at all. “It is an astronomical amount of money which we will put right back into the community.”
The latest funds for the community hub will kick start work improving the building’s roof, installing solar panels, improving disabled access and fitting a lift. Any additional money will be used to support the hub’s food larder and IT suite.
Community development manager and co-founder of the Lossie 2-3 Group Louise McBride said the grant has started a new chapter in the organisation’s history.
She said: “We never thought we would come so far so fast. It reflects how many people believe in the project. Even though it is quite nerve-wracking and overwhelming, it is so exciting. Getting the money has been hard and I have a feeling it will get even harder once we start providing services. But getting out there and making a difference will be amazing.”
The RCGF is a Scottish Government scheme to fund the restoration of empty buildings for the good of communities.
When the project is complete, the building’s downstairs area will be used by both the 2-3 Group and before and after-school groups.
Upstairs, a community kitchen and larder will be joined by a family social space open up to everybody in the community.
As well as the social space, which will feature computers for IT training, service users will benefit from a dedicated counselling room.
Ms McBride said the hub will tackle whatever problems the Lossiemouth community is grappling with, drawing on the first-hand experience of those affected.
She said: “Once this place is open we will bring folk together and ask: ‘What would you like to do on a Monday morning?’
“For example, some of the older folk could come and make teas and coffees, or even have a knit and natter event. Anything like that.
“It is all community led and all about what the community wants.”
Volunteers have played an important role in the work Lossie 2-3 Group has already done, including: staffing the 2-3 Group and the group’s charity shop; running soup and sweet events; organising the art and wellbeing group and organising the Baby Peep group sessions.
Some of these volunteers, who have struggled with mental health and long-term unemployment, have even been given paid roles as a result.
Ms McBride said: “The volunteers we have are so committed.
“A lot of them suffer with mental health problems and our work is also about supporting in them and investing in them.
“The volunteers within the 2-3 Group have been long term unemployed and we have found funding to take them out of long-term unemployment and give them jobs.”
Moray MSP Richard Lochhead welcomed the news.
He said: “Work has already started on transforming the old Warehouse Theatre and this funding will be a real boost for the group, helping them to make their plans a reality.
“I want to congratulate everyone involved in the hub for their vision and all their efforts, as well as thank them for everything they do to help folk in the local community.
“I’m excited to see how this funding is used to benefit people living in Lossiemouth – the community hub will be a real asset to the town.”
Moray MP Douglas Ross said: “It is extremely welcome that this project has been awarded such a significant funding boost through the Regeneration Capital Grant Fund.
“I praise all those behind the project for their tireless work in ensuring that this bid was ultimately successful and I know what a big difference this will make.
“This is a major step forward in creating a hub for our most disadvantaged residents in Lossiemouth and I will work closely with those involved in the project to ensure it comes to fruition.”
The Lossie 2-3 Group encouraged budding volunteers to email: thelossie2-3group@outlook.com
They have also asked new board members to come forward.