South of Scotland Enterprise backing for Moffat community building plans

A Moffat-based environmental charity has been supported by the South of Scotland Enterprise (SOSE) to develop options for the future of its main building.

Space to Grow, Moffat has been provided with a £11,395 grant from the region’s new economic and community development agency to create a design plan and marketing strategy to redevelop the Old Church depot in the Annanside area of the town.

With a focus on the environment, Space to Grow, Moffat aims to use the land and buildings it owns for the benefit of the local community.

The charity has almost 3,700 square metres of outdoor space which includes allotments, raised flower beds, an area in front of the main building and plans to plant a forest garden.

Its main building consists of offices, warehouses and workshops, some of which are currently rented to local businesses.

Space to Grow, Moffat, with support from SOSE’s grant, will now look at all options for refurbishing the buildings and making them available to the community.

Space to Grow, Moffat Chair Jon Haydon said: “We are delighted to be supported by SOSE in developing plans for the future of the Old Church Depot site at Annanside, and this grant will help us to work up some options.
 
“We will be collaborating with some experienced professionals who have the expertise and networks to complement our own, and who have been involved in many successful projects.
 
“At Space to Grow, Moffat we are keen to respond positively to both the climate crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We have come a long way and are all very excited by this latest stage in our journey.”

Chair of the South of Scotland Enterprise (SOSE), Professor Russel Griggs OBE, said: “Alongside supporting businesses in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, another crucial responsibility for the South of Scotland Enterprise is working with community organisations to develop ideas which support their local areas, such as through job creation and sustainable projects.
 
“The potential development of the Old Church depot by Space to Grow, Moffat is a great example of this local ambition and it is fantastic to be working with the charity to explore the possibilities of this project for the benefit of the local area.

“We would welcome any community organisations in the South of Scotland to get in contact with us with ideas they believe could unlock the potential of their area.”