Behind a dishevelled façade in Bolgam Street time is running out for one of Campbeltown’s best kept secrets. Stage 1 funding, totalling £750,000, has been secured but unless we can find a new use that works, this money, as well as the building, will be lost for ever.
Strathclyde Building Preservation Trust and Argyll and Bute Council are appealing to the people of Campbeltown to come forward now and tell us how they want to use this historic building. One suggestion is to create a ‘green’ community hub selling local foods, local arts and crafts and ethical products. The centre would provide a venue for performing arts, a repair café where people could recycle their furniture and goods and a centre for environmentally focussed training. The Ark Centre, as it would be known, would complement other ongoing community projects and contribute to the regeneration of the town.
Argyll and Bute Council’s Policy Lead for Economic Development, Councillor Duncan MacIntyre, said: ‘’The building is deteriorating and unless a use for it can be found it could end up having to be demolished, leaving a gap site and causing problems for the surrounding buildings. Along with our partners at SBPT, we are eager to hear people’s ideas for how the building could be saved.’’
Sarah MacKinnon, Chief Executive of Strathclyde Building Preservation Trust, said: “This is a really important building and we are so close to being able to save it, we just need your help.” So please tell us:
1. Have you got any memories or photographs of the Old Courthouse?
2. Would you support the Ark Centre idea?
3. What other ideas do you have for using this important building?
Give your views by contacting Strathclyde Building Preservation at:
courthouse@sbpt.org.uk or to find out more at our website at http://www.sbpt.org.uk
Notes to editors:
Strathclyde Building Preservation Trust (SBPT) is a social enterprise offering a comprehensive built heritage resource bringing new life to old buildings and promoting sustainable businesses and communities. Our service is based on over 25 years experience in the field and a flexible, innovative approach to projects. SBPT has been involved in projects in Campbeltown for the past 8 years and in particular worked with the Kintyre Amenity Trust to deliver the Old School Bunkhouse Project. We are currently working with community groups across the west of Scotland to save historic buildings and deliver regeneration projects.
SBPT contacts: Chief Executive Sarah MacKinnon: 0141248 4013, 07914 586 777, sarah.mackinnon@sbpt.org.uk. Web Site: http://www.sbpt.org.uk/