A project in South-East Edinburgh to renovate a 19th Century farmhouse and turn it into a community hub has received nearly £1 million from the Big Lottery Fund.
Thanks to an award of £997,908, Bridgend Inspiring Growth will take an old run-down farmhouse and turn it into a thriving community hub for the benefit of all those living in Craigmillar, Inch, Moredun and beyond.
This vital funding means that work can now begin on a community-training kitchen, community cafe, two multi-purpose meeting spaces and four external community workshops. This will enable the organisation to deliver a range of learning programmes, from cycle-repair and outdoor education to DIY and arts & crafts. The project will also provide support and training opportunities to a range of people of all ages with a disability in the surrounding communities.
The City of Edinburgh Council has already supported the project and decided to hand over the building to the charity at no cost.
Will Golding, Chairperson, Bridgend Inspiring Growth, said: “We are absolutely thrilled at the news! After all the incredible hard work, support and volunteer effort over the last five and a half years, we now know it has finally paid off.
“We can’t wait to get working on the renovation and development of the Bridgend Centre for Learning, Eating and Exercise. We will continue with our weekly drop-in sessions at the farmhouse and outreach activities during the process to ensure people can be involved throughout, and are looking for any volunteers and people interested to come and get involved.
We also have a small amount more fundraising to do to reach our target, and would welcome anyone interested in helping with that.”
Maureen McGinn, Big Lottery Fund Scotland Chair, said, “Today’s award to Bridgend Inspiring Growth will provide a community hub for the people in South-East Edinburgh. The renovated farmhouse will enable the community to expand opportunities for learning, healthy eating and exercise to people of all ages living in Craigmillar, Inch, Moredun and surrounding communities. This project is an inspiring example of a community making a positive and lasting impact to local people’s lives.”
