We are devloping the former Darlington church, a B listed building, in the heart of Ayr North to create a community hub, a creative learning centre and an accessible community cinema and theatre so that people living locally can engage in creative learning at a reduced cost or for free. This will build confidence in the community and support self esteem amongst people living there who want to learn new creative skills.

We are seeking capital funding to support the development of the space to create an accessible place where people can come together, learn and share. To develop this space we are looking for funding for building work, a new window, flooring, a staff toilet and a joinery work to create desks and shelves for a creative community library, and chairs for groups to sit on.

Funding will allow us to build a room in the former Vestry of a building that has lain derelict for 17 years and complement the development of our community studio so that people can access groups that align with local priorities and make Ayr North a more accessible place to live.

The building sits in an area of high deprivation and many people live in poverty, and are marginalised, have disabilities, face addiction issues and social isolation. Many young people living here are Young Carers and are at risk of entering the criminal justice system. Having a space that they can use to learn means that diversionary activities like film education, film making workshops and creative activities can empower them and lead them to more positive destinations.

By having a space to meet and learn, people living locally can have the opportunity to create valuable work in a space that they can take ownership of and we have a sucessful track record of award winning work created by Young People living here. Having a space for them to learn in will give them the opportunity to meet more regulalry and take pride in their place and work. People can become familiar with the space and have opportunites to volunteer at events taking place in the adjoining studio, creating employability opportunities and supporting Young People to feel empowered. Older people can engage in volunteering opportunites, meet new people, and feel less socially isolated.

We have already received in kind support from the community payback team who have cleared the room out and made it accessible and funding would allow us to develop the space into a useable, functioning space that serves and inspires people living locally. We have received many donations of plays, books and film education texts so buidling a small library space will make it more user friendly and people can access specialist books for creative learning. We have applied for funding for laptops and digital learning equipment and have recently recieved funding for new filmmaking equipment that can be used by people who want to learn and create. We have received funding to develop our community studio that will be open to the public and host events and workshops and by having a dedicated space for learning and meeting, people living locally can engage, volunteer and find the confidence to host their own events and screenings in the adjoining studio

Following extensive community consultation, we plan to deliver three evening groups at Dundonald Castle Hub: a Silent Book Club, Dundonald Historical & Archive Group, and a Creative Writing Group. Funding will be used towards staffing and utilities to help our charity open the Hub in the evenings, and to ensure the ongoing sustainability of these groups. This will support us in providing free, accessible activities for people of all ages with daytime commitments (carer, parental and employment amongst others), while tackling loneliness and social isolation over the autumn and winter months in our rural area.

We seek funding for initial development costs for The South, including community consultation costs and early concept meetings with consultants.

We are currently looking into purchasing the South Parish Church in Girvan to be used as a multi-purpose community venue for performances etc. of up to 450 people, and as a function space for up to 180 people. No such venue has existed in Girvan since the Beach Pavillion was demolished 15 years ago and as such, there is an identifiable need in the community.

We also aim to convert the church hall into a modern bunkhouse for walkers, cyclists, and for people attending functions or events at the venue. Recent Surveys by GoGirvan have highlighted the need for accommodation, and it will also increase the financial viability of the project. In addition, we are exploring the option of incorporating a commercial kitchen into the complex which could be used both by the venue and other community groups in partnership.

We have successfully delivered the first in a series of public engagement exercises to better understand the needs and wants of the community, and to ascertain their support for the project. Our next steps are to engage consultants to help us develop the project to RIBA 0-2, including options appraisal, feasibility study and concept designs.  We are looking for funding to help us do both these things.

Up grade shelving 

Hoover 

Door mats 

And have a gazebo

For use of the groups who use the shop 

N/A

The fund would be utilised to purchase equipment

 Funding will enable the group to access monthly trips throughout the year, ensuring that these are accessible to all by paying for the use of a mini bus from SACT to transport the group

We are seeking funding to deliver the Broadway Cinema Visitor Experience.  Our foyer space will be re-opened for project information, memberships, and merchandise sales.  There will be a pop-up museum located in our newly revealed 1930s auditorium.  Visitors will be able to soak up the unique atmosphere of an ‘arrested decay’ Grade C listed art-deco cinema.  The experience will be unique in Scotland and will bring significant economic benefits to the area.  It will provide a platform for the Broadway to generate sustained income, serving as a catalyst for future growth and continued project development.  Any money (gratefully received) will be used to purchase: Fire door installation/upgrades Licence fees (PRS/PVS)

Volunteer utility and toilet facility WiFi operating costs Donation terminals and subscriptions Industrial space heater  

These items will 'unlock' our ability to open our doors to the community and visitors, and keep them open.