Work on a “transformative” outdoor pursuits project in Dalbeattie could start in early 2024 following a multi-million cash boost.
Rocks and Wheels was facing major funding challenges as it moved towards developing the former Dalbeattie Primary School.
But suddenly the ambitious scheme has been propelled into top gear after securing £5.4 million from the Levelling Up Fund.
Michelle McRobert, chief executive of project managers Dalbeattie Community Initiative, was delighted the long-awaited facility had been fast-tracked.
She said: “We had thought it may be at least 18 months before we’d be putting in planning permission.
“We are also in the process of asset transfer and to achieve that we would have needed to raise £2.5 million.
“Now we don’t need to worry about that and can go straight from the detailed design stage to construction.
“We will now be able to press forward with the asset transfer as well. It means we could begin on site in early 2024.”
Dumfries and Galloway Council made the successful bid to the UK Government fund.
A bid to create a water sports hub and redevelop the derelict George Hotel in Stranraer was also successful.
However, a ground-breaking initiative to transform the region’s transport network with new electric buses was rejected.
But at Dalbeattie work is already under way to adapt to new deadlines.
Rocks and Wheels will see the redundant school buildings transformed into an outdoor activity centre with indoor bouldering, a 60-bed hostel, an outdoor pump track, training and community rooms and outdoor civic space.
Michelle said: “The construction phase is expected to last 18 months to two years.
“For Dalbeattie this amount of investment for a community project has never been seen before.
“It will create real transformational change. The centre will create sustainable employment and training programmes.
“And its long-term reinvestment will empower our community – ensuring future generations can benefit from the project too.”
She added: “Since the project’s inception in 2017, many local people have assisted in the development of ideas and to refine the project into a feasible business model.
“This funding success is testament to their hard work, effort and persistence.
The hard work starts now to take our vision and make it a success.
“But the Initiative is up for the challenge and looks forward to this exciting new chapter.”
MSP Finlay Carson said: “This is a great day for both Stranraer and Dalbeattie as the funding will hopefully provide a much needed stimulus to change the towns’ fortunes and drive economic growth.”
