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

Ayr United Football Academy, through its Community Hub, is delivering the Ladies Learn To programme — a monthly initiative designed for women aged 50 and over. Following a successful six-month pilot earlier this year, we are seeking funding to continue and develop the programme, which has already proven popular and impactful.

The project provides a safe, welcoming, and inclusive space where women can come together to try new activities, meet others, and build confidence. Each month focuses on a different theme — from arts and crafts to cooking, crochet, and light physical activities — with participants’ feedback shaping future sessions. This responsive approach ensures the programme remains engaging, relevant, and community-driven.

The need for the programme is clear. Many participants report feelings of isolation, especially following the pandemic, and value the opportunity for social connection as much as the skills learned. Comments such as “This group allowed me to find some social interaction” and “It has given me a great sense of achievement” highlight its positive impact on wellbeing and confidence.

Funding will support staff, venue hire, materials, and catering, enabling the programme to continue while we work toward longer-term sustainability and potential expansion into new areas of learning and activity.

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.

The Coastal Communities Fund intervention will allow Dunure and Fisherton to select and recruit expertise in cultural, heritage and history management and interpretation.

They will help us initiate the process of engaging with and encouraging the participation of residents to think about, catalogue and manage their own artefacts, objects, photos, pictures, newscuttings and stories relating to the village.

The fund will allow us to appoint a heritage specialist and provide equipment to allow volunteers to work alongside and collect historical information for display to visitors and enable volunteers to provide information for guided tours arounf the heritage of the village.

Purchase a lining machine 

To keep the park to a high standard