An architect’s vision of how the former school on Dryfe Road, which was declared surplus to Dumfries and Galloway Council requirements in 2010, could be transformed has now been revealed.
The plans feature a hostel offering bunk bed style accommodation for visitors to the town, as well as a busi- ness centre with office spaces and an exhibition room.
Meanwhile, a cafe and kitchen area is also mooted, along with a theatre space incorporating a stage and an outdoor community garden and toddler play area.
Following a surge in interest in the home-grown initiative at the start of the year, the Lockerbie Old School (LOS) project, who have been work- ing since 2013 to transform the building into a community hub, is on the brink of seeing their vision become a reality in 2019.
Last year it was announced that American widow, Victoria Cum- mock, who lost her husband John in the 1988 Lockerbie Air Disaster, had pledged a sizeable donation to the project and there was also a pledge from the Scottish Land Fund.
Delighted with the project’s progress, committee member Helen Wright said: “Such a well loved building, at the heart of the community for over 140 years, could very soon once again be a bustling, thriving part of the local scene.
“The LOS committee, with the support of local townsfolk, has a very clear vision for the redevel- opment of this beautiful Victor- ian sandstone building.
“The vision is to see the currently vacant building brought back to life as a community hub, offering space for social activities, for arts and performance, for business and office services as well as visitor accommodation.”
She added: “What an incredible facility this will be for the com- munity of Lockerbie for years to come.”
The project’s business plan is currently available to view online and in next few weeks an updated feasibility report will be carried out by John Gilbert Architects which, once completed, means the project is one step nearer fru- ition.
Meanwhile, Dumfries based construction consultants Mc- Gowan Miller will oversee a full structural survey of the site.
The project team also hope to secure an asset transfer shortly so that they own the land.
