The dedicated Rocks and Wheels team is ending the year in a positive place, ready to push forward with the design stage of the project in 2023.
The focus this year involved finalising the business plan to redevelop the former Dalbeattie primary school as a mountain biking and climbing centre . It was presented to the council panel for the asset transfer request.
Both parties have agreed the decision notice of the transfer to be completed within two years or earlier if £2.5million has been secured.
The project was selected as one of three in the region for the Levelling Up Fund. No news yet if the project has been successful but they are hopeful to find out the decision by the end of the year.
However, through funding they have successfully secured money from South of Scotland Enterprise (SOSE) and Community Led Regeneration Fund (CLERF) for the project to progress to the ‘developed design’ stage (RIBA3).
It is where the practical aspects of the concept are decided and discussions with the design team will begin considering the legal requirements such as building regulations and planning.
The steering group is really excited to be working with Collective Architecture from Glasgow who will bring the ideas of Rocks and Wheels to life. From the continued consultations the team is ready to feed the community’s “needs and wants” for the building to the architects to work their magic.
The extensive work the steering group has undertaken so far provides a clear and substantial framework that has been commercially and economically tested.
The team is confident Collective Architecture will further develop the ideas and identities of the proposed spaces and places which reflect the community.
The financial support awarded by Architectural Heritage Fund (AHF) has covered the operating expenses which has had a significant impact on getting the project to this stage of development.
Finally for 2022, Rocks and Wheels would like to introduce their first Honorary Patron, Dame Barbara Kelly, one of the region’s most inspiring and influential people.
Dame Barbara has fond memories of growing up in Dalbeattie and attended the town’s primary and secondary schools.
Rocks and Wheels chairman Ian Wilbur said: “We are delighted that Dame Barbara Kelly has accepted our invitation to become our first honorary patron.
“Dame Barbara has always been passionate about Dalbeattie and for her to support the Rocks and wheels project is wonderful, especially as we are utilising the old primary school where she attended as a girl.”
Other positives to end the year on include the publication of Rocks and Wheels’ quarterly online newsletter, awarded the bronze level Cycle Scotland award, holding a face to face two-day community consultation and finalising Rocks and Wheels first ever cycle challenge.
This will take place Sunday, April 23 and is open to anyone who wants to enjoy a wonderful day out riding through the beautiful Dumfries and Galloway countryside whether it is on an ebike, tricycle, tandem, mountain bike or road bike.
For more information about news, events and to register for the cycle challenge visit the website rocksandwheels.org
The group hopes to share continued positive progress in 2023.
