Designing with the experts

Communities across Scotland have the opportunity to map out the future of their areas alongside design experts following the awarding of Charrette grants from the Scottish Government.

Charrettes bring together the public, stakeholders and designers over a number of days to draw up proposals to make their towns and villages better places to live.

A second fund ‘Activating Ideas fund’ which supports participation and empowerment initiatives in disadvantaged areas has also announced funding today.

The two funds together have awarded almost £300,000. The 19 projects include –

• North Ayrshire Council, £20,000, to look at flood protection schemes and also wider benefits for the island community of Cumbrae
• Friends of Prestwick Broadway, £15,000, to look at a community buy out of the disused cinema to be used as a community hub
• Glasgow East Arts Company, £20,000, to ensure the community have a voice in implementing the Easterhouse Town Centre Action Plan
• Citizen Curator & Leith Creative, £19,400, to look at planning and social issues in Leith

Minister for Local Government and Housing Kevin Stewart said:

“The quality of our places has an important influence on our lives and this Government is committed to empowering communities and involving them in the planning process.

“I was really pleased to see the great interest in the funds and the high quality of the projects who applied.

“Local communities have a wealth of knowledge about their local area. Bringing communities together with design expertise will enable ideas and proposals to be developed to deliver positive change. This initiative enables people across Scotland to have their say on the long- term future of their community.

“I look forward to these projects coming to fruition and seeing positive changes in local communities that has been developed by the people that live there.”

Leica Malkin, Chair of Friends of the Broadway Prestwick

“During the Prestwick Town Charrette process, we were delighted that our community echoed our own affection for the inactive Broadway Cinema sitting on the Main Street in the heart of our town. The grant we have been awarded from the Activating Ideas fund has made such a positive impact on our campaign, and will allow us to actively move forward with our vision of bringing the Broadway into community ownership.”

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