Thanks to funding from the South of Scotland Enterprise (SOSE) and the hard-working board and staff of the LOS project, the former bank — which closed its doors last year — will be turned into a community hub for the DG11 area.
A prior consultation with Lockerbie residents found a growing need within the area to address social and economic well-being issues.
And the charity hope to complete the sale of the building by the end of the week and begin work straight away on opening the new facility.
A charity spokesperson said: “Lockerbie Old School won’t be open for another 18 months and as we know there is a need for a facility like this after carrying out our business plan we want to fill the gap and start to offer a cut down version of what the larger facility will offer until it opens in 2025.
“In the last couple of years, we have aimed to expand LOS as much as possible as we feel there is a great need for a site like this in the town. “Until we have our main site open and ready its amazing news that DG11 residents have a new community space where they will be able to access food/warm banks, meet new people and come to us with any questions they may need advice with.
“A few of our aims include helping combat social isolation, provide much needed advice services, a base for holding events and so much more.
“(When the old school opens) we will evaluate how the site will be best used, but it offers us exciting opportunities to maintain a premises right in the heart of the centre of Lockerbie.”
Before opening the new hub to the public, the LOS team are on the hunt for volunteers who would be willing to help bring the building back to life. They are also appealing for any unwanted furniture, kitchen items and office equipment.
To find out more about the Lockerbie Old Bank email – coms@lockerbieoldschool – for more information.
