Lockerbie Old School to receive £2.6m for redevelopment

Video report by Matthew Taylor

Plans for redeveloping a former school in Lockerbie have moved a step closer after the Scottish Government approved £2.6 million for the project.

The money is on top of £775,000 already awarded by Dumfries and Galloway Council to the Lockerbie Old School group in November 2021.

The scheme to refurbish the 145-year-old building on Dryfe Road will create a new Community Wellbeing Hub and Enterprise Centre and eight residential flats.

The Lockerbie project is one of 23 across Scotland receiving a share of a £27 million fund that aims to support projects in disadvantaged and rural communities. 

The new centre is set to provide a range of flexible spaces for the local community including business start-up courses, space for health and wellbeing activities and meeting areas.

Katie Hagmann, Chair of Dumfries and Galloway Council’s Economy and Resources Committee said: “We are delighted with the news that this significant project in Lockerbie has been awarded such a substantial amount of money from the Scottish Government in recognition of its value to the local community.

“This is a reflection of the hard work put in by the committee of volunteers who had the positive vision of creating a shared, multi-use facility for the town. In addition to the funding already awarded by our Council and stakeholders, this will provide a much needed centre for wellbeing, enterprise and the Arts. Extremely well done to all involved.”

Chair of the Lockerbie Old School charity, Jackie Moffat, said: “I cannot begin to tell you how excited myself and my fellow trustees are with the news that the council have secured the £2.63 million funding for us. This marks a historic point in our journey, because as a result we have now achieved 100% of the £5.1 million we need to bring the dream we have had since 2013 to reality.”

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