Bressay community asked to raise cash to release substantial government funding
BRESSAY Development Limited (BDL), the organisation behind the planned refurbishment of the island’s Speldiburn centre, has launched a crowdfunder to help them release substantial government funding.
Last month it was reported that BDL had secured nearly £1 million to completely overhaul the former Bressay primary school, which currently houses a café, small business start-up spaces and a ‘good as new’ shop.
But the cash offer came with a hitch, in that the community had to raise £10,000 in capital to get access to the government funds.
To that end BDL has opened a modest crowdfunder which marks the start of their fundraising activities.
The community organisation’s Beatrice Lowe said: “Over the years Speldiburn has proved extremely popular with both locals and visitors alike, so the funding already secured to develop it further is hugely welcome and important, not only in terms of the facility itself but for the Bressay community as a whole.
“With this in mind we hope to be able to raise the additional capital required of approximately £10,000 to see the project to fruition.
“Our crowdfunding initiative is the beginning of that and, of course, we hope to exceed the relatively modest total we’ve set ourselves for that at the outset.”
The government funding will allow for the upgrade to the existing structure and facilities, including a completely new welcoming entrance and façade, an expanded and fully refurbished café, further studio, exhibition, arts and crafts and business spaces, and additional multi-use space.
Upgrades to existing toilet, shower and laundry facilities are primarily aimed at supporting the nearby caravan site.
Donations can be made either here or here.
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