DUMFRIES and Galloway is set to receive £18 million from the UK government’s Levelling Up Fund.
The major investment announced on Wednesday will see three projects in the region receive a share of the £18 million award.
In Dalbeattie and Stranraer, the Reactivating Galloway project is set to receive over £17.6 million to reactivate redundant buildings and spaces with new uses which capitalise on their proximity to the region’s coastline and forests to drive footfall and spend, stimulating the visitor economy and enhancing quality of life through an improved culture and leisure offer.
The Save Our Space project in New Galloway has also been awarded £175,000 worth of funding to help upgrade the community owned New Galloway Town Hall. Plans include the installation of renewable energy sources to replace the current heating system, improved insulation, disabled toilets and a lift.
Further west in Whithorn £300,000 £300,000 was allocated from the Community Ownership Fund to transform the Old Town Hall in Whithorn to become more accessible, functional and support working towards Net-Zero.
The Grade B listed Georgian town hall is set to turn into a new social enterprise that will offer training to young people in traditional stonemasonry and joinery skills. It will also showcase energy efficiency innovation for hard-to-treat Georgian buildings.
Dumfries and Galloway MP Alister Jack has warmly welcomed news that projects in the region will receive the grants, he said: “I’m delighted major developments in Wigtownshire and Stewartry will boost the economy, jobs, built environment and general well-being. The funding should help project planners proceed with confidence, making a significant difference for local people and visitors.
“Stranraer investment includes re-purposing and enhancing the eyesore George Hotel site whilst elsewhere in the town creating a water sports centre beside the waterfront.
“Further east, the Rocks and Wheels attraction at Dalbeattie was also a perfect match for the Levelling Up objectives and I’m confident, when completed, all the projects will bring a new vibrancy to our communities.”
