Building Briefs – August 12th

  • Glencairn House proposals receive public support

Proposals to transform one of Dumbarton’s oldest buildings into a state-of-the-art library and museum have received public backing.

Building Briefs – August 12th

A series of consultations were undertaken earlier this summer to gather local opinion on the plans, which would see Glencairn House brought back into use, and the current library building at Strathleven Place converted into a publicly accessible collections store and archive. Overall the project will represent a £5 million investment.



A total of 238 residents responded to an online survey, with 78% supporting the proposal for the historic High Street building.

The proposed development would include the creation of an events space on the fourth floor of the building – something 84% of respondents backed.

Those filling in the survey were also asked about the change of use of the existing library into a venue where historically important object and artefacts could be viewed, with 74% agreeing that this would be a good use for the building.

Feedback from public drop-in sessions – including one held in Glencairn House itself – was also positive.



More than 100 residents attended, with the majority supporting the proposal to bring it back into use as a cultural venue celebrating the rich history of the local area. Attendees also supported the opportunity for the community to make use of events space in the building. The results of the consultation will be presented to members of West Dunbartonshire Council’s infrastructure, regeneration and economic development committee later this month, when they will be given the chance to discuss the proposal and decide on the next steps.

Concerns were raised by some residents during the consultation about parking, floor space in Glencairn House, and access to records in the new collections store and archive. All of these have been addressed in the committee report.

 

  • Funding secured to repair Cowane’s Hospital

Historic Environment Scotland (HES) has announced funding to repair Cowane’s Hospital and support the conservation of the 17th century hospital.



HES will provide £321,985 funding as part of the heritage body’s Historic Environment Repair Grant programme, which supports repairs to buildings or ancient monuments which are of special architectural, historic or archaeological significance across Scotland.

The funding will allow The Patrons of Cowane’s Hospital Trust to repair the historic building fabric and reinstate original architectural features using highly skilled traditional trades. The conservation works include the repair of the roof and rainwater goods, harling and lime washing the external walls, stone repairs, window and door repairs, and repairs to the statue of John Cowane.

The A-listed building is a 17th century almshouse, located in Stirling’s Old Town, which was established with funds bequeathed by John Cowane following his death in 1633.

 



  • Local employment opportunities offered at Cassiltoun development

A new Cassiltoun Housing Association development of 42 homes has provided employment opportunities for five local people thanks to its work with Cruden Building and Renewals Ltd.

Building Briefs – August 12th

The five local people who have gained employment alongside Cassiltoun Housing Association chairperson Anna Stuart MBE, director of operations Fiona McGowan and clerk of works Jim Doherty Clerk of Works as well as Cruden site manager Neil Smith and general foreman Chris Mangan

Whilst working on the Association’s Barlia 3 development, two local apprentices completed their time and are being kept on, while a further local person has just been employed to begin their apprenticeship earlier this month.



Two more locals were successful in their applications for general labourer positions after the posts were advertised through Cassiltoun Housing Association.

In addition to these posts, another local person gained employment as a cleaner for the site.

 

  • Seagate Castle investigatory works planned

Investigatory works are to be carried out this month at Irvine’s Seagate Castle to ensure the long-term future of the historic structure.



The exercise is part of a scheduled inspection programme which is undertaken at all Council-owned buildings.

Local residents are asked to be aware that there is likely to be some disruption to traffic on the day of the survey – Tuesday, August 20.

While the inspection is undertaken, works will be carried out to remove vegetation growth. This is a precautionary measure to help preserve and protect the condition and appearance of the castle.

North Ayrshire Council has liaised with Historic Environment Scotland and appointed Conservation Architects to ensure an appropriate and thorough approach to the survey.



It is expected that a traffic management system will be required on the day of the investigation, therefore local residents and motorists likely to use Seagate are advised to expects some delays.

 

  • West Dunbartonshire councillors to consider Town Centre Fund proposals

Alexandria, Dumbarton and Clydebank town centres could all be enhanced thanks to money from West Dunbartonshire Council’s Town Centre Fund.



The council was granted a one-off award of £859,000 from the Scottish Government earlier this year as part of a contribution towards transformative investments which drive local economic activities and help town centres become more diverse and sustainable.

In Alexandria, it is proposed that three Main Street properties are refurbished to bring them back into use and designs are developed for the restoration of the Smollett Fountain as a landmark feature. The developments would complement the new housing development at the former Kippen Dairy site and planned developments at Creveul Court and Mitchell Way.

In Clydebank, it is proposed that Sylvania Way South, close to the entrance to Clyde Regional Shopping Centre, is upgraded with resurfacing, new street furniture and landscaping.

While in Dumbarton, the proposals would capitalise on the close proximity to the town centre to the river by creating a high-quality gathering place and gateway to the Waterfront Pathway at Riverside Lane. The development would include greenspace, seating and ‘pocket park’ facilities, all of which will help connect the High Street with the riverfront.

In selecting the projects, officers considered previous community consultations and charrettes to take account of residents’ needs and demands, and also reflected on Town Centre Forum discussions. 

Councillors will meet later this month at the infrastructure, regeneration and economic development committee to consider the recommendations for the projects.

The total value of all developments exceeds the £859,000 allocation, and councillors will also consider whether the local economic development capital budget can be used to meet additional costs. 

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