VOTING has opened to name a revamped and soon-to-be-reborn building on Dumfries High Street – and townsfolk are being urged to have their say.
Midsteeple Quarter is redeveloping the former Baker’s Oven at 135-139 High Street into new flats and enterprise spaces.
The project – the first of its kind in the town centre in living memory – is due for completion in the early summer.
And the site is being renamed to reflect the hope it represents for a rebirth of the High Street, driven by community ambition, determination and support.
A vote opened on Tuesday to help decide between three shortlisted names:
The Standard (reflecting the site’s history as the former home of the Dumfries & Galloway Standard newspaper)
The Rise (reflecting the building’s history as a bakery)
Gaitherin’ Place (reflecting the strength of community in Dumfries)
Townsfolk are being urged to pick their favourite at www.midsteeplequarter.org before Wednesday January 31.
There is also an option for people to suggest an alternative name.
Midsteeple Quarter’s board – made up of volunteer directors who represent the organisation’s membership – will make the collective final decision.
And the new name will be announced at a celebration event at the site on February 22 when a new artwork created with local school pupils will be unveiled.
Kathryn Hill, Midsteeple Quarter’s community engagement activator, said: “There’s a real buzz – and hope – surrounding what we’re going to achieve by creating these new homes and enterprise spaces.
“The people of Dumfries own this site through our community benefit society. And their ambition is clear: this should be the beginning of a bright new era for our town centre, while celebrating our proud past. Our board wants to ensure that is reflected in the name of this special new building, which will be like nothing else we have locally.
“Please, have a say in that by casting your vote.”
Midsteeple Quarter Community Benefit Society also owns 51 Bank Street, 109 High Street, 111 High Street, The Smithy and The Press.
The work taking place at 135-139 High Street is the organisation’s first major phase of construction as part of a long-term vision to transform all of the buildings in the community’s ownership to create a vibrant new neighbourhood in Dumfries town centre where people live, work and visit.
