Community / Further Hymhus refurbishment a ‘major step towards a sustainable future’
THE TEAM behind Hymhus in Bigton say they are “delighted” to have been awarded £140,000 in funding to carry out further refurbishment of the former church building.
The money is coming from the Scottish Government’s island programme fund.
A key element of the work on Hymhus will be to improve the building’s energy efficiency.
Hymhus is the name given to the former St Ninian’s Church, which local group the Bigton Collective bought from the Church of Scotland in 2022.
It is now used as a community hub, offering a second-hand shop as well as space for events, exhibitions and ceremonies.
Bigton Collective development manager Jonathan Ritch said the latest funding will pay for replacing all the existing single-glazed windows and front facade of the porch, insulating under the floors and installing an air-source heat pump and underfloor heating system.
“These measures will greatly improve the energy efficiency of the building, making it more comfortable for those who use it, reducing our carbon emissions and energy-related overheads and thus ensuring the continued viability of the building and the Hymhus project as a whole,” he added.
A previous phase of works, which was also funded through the islands programme and completed earlier this year, included external remedial works, refurbishment of the toilet, kitchen and vestry, installation of loft insulation, reconfiguration of the stage area and the purchase of equipment.
“These improvements have already reaped huge benefits, and we hope phase two will build on this good work, representing a major step towards a sustainable future and preserving this cherished building for generations to come,” Ritch added.
“We are grateful to the amazing Bigton Collective staff and volunteers who work so hard to make things happen at Hymhus, and to the folk from Bigton and beyond who continue to support the project, week in week out.
“Also to SIC economic development for their guidance through the process and Suzanne Malcolmson at Malcolmson Architects for her continued input and expertise. We’re really looking forward to working with local contractors to deliver phase two.”
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