Charity group in £70,000 community asset transfer request for historic hall and bowling green
A charity group has submitted a Community Asset Transfer request to South Ayrshire Council in a £70,000 bid to take ownership of the McCosh Hall and Bowling Green in Kirkmichael.
Kirkmichael Ayrshire Development Trust are behind the move and hope to take ownership at the site in order to create a 'hub' for community life, collaboration purposes and provide space for a community-run shop and other local groups.
It's understood that if successful, the bowling green will continue to be used for bowls and operated by Kirkmichael Bowling Club.
In a supporting statement, outlining their plans the group said: 'The Kirkmichael Development Trust is submitting this Community Asset Transfer (CAT) request to South Ayrshire Council with the intention of securing the long-term future of McCosh Hall as a vital and much used facility for the people of Kirkmichael.
'For the past five years, McCosh Hall has been leased to the community and successfully operated by Kirkmichael Village Renaissance (KVR).
"From the outset, a Community Asset Transfer has been a key part of the long-term plan to ensure the continued use, vibrancy, and sustainability of the hall. Securing ownership will allow us to invest in and develop the building in ways that a lease arrangement does not permit, ensuring that it remains a thriving and inclusive space for generations to come.
"With support from KVR the new Kirkmichael Ayrshire Development Trust has been established to take this plan forward.'
The group also says the McCosh Hall has served as a 'cornerstone of village life' for more than 125 years and continues to be a 'crucial asset' for their rural community.
Their statement continues: 'It is currently used by 18 community groups and hosts a wide range of activities that promote social connection, improve wellbeing, and reduce isolation.'
According to the application the group has proposed a price of £70,000 for the asset transfer.
Their statement goes on: 'The upper hall is in regular use by groups and individuals participating in activities such as Pickleball, Badminton, Karate, Carpet Bowls, Cinema Nights, Women's Group meetings, Garden Club, Guild meetings, Toddler Group, Winter Play Sessions, Music Sessions, and Knit and Natter.
"The café space also accommodates smaller groups such as the Book Club, and the History Group uses the hall to house and display the village archive. The facility is also hired for private functions and external meetings.'
The statement adds: 'The Community Asset Transfer will provide the security, autonomy, and long-term vision required to protect and enhance McCosh Hall as a community-owned resource. With this transfer, the Kirkmichael Development Trust is committed to preserving and strengthening the role of McCosh Hall as a vibrant, sustainable, and inclusive space for all in Kirkmichael.'
The group has support from local Councillor Brian Connolly, Kirkmichaal Parish Church, Kirkmichael Bowling Club and others.
Cllr Connolly said: 'I have been the locally elected Councillor for the village of Kirkmichael for almost 20 years and during that time I have worked closely with the Community. Kirkmichael is a perfect fit for a rural village, from a Local Authority's perspective. As budgets have got tighter, the Community has worked with the council to grow events and organisations within the village and the remaining task would be the purchase of the McCosh Hall.
'This is the main public hub within the community, housing the local Bowling Club as well as the village shop, café and main public space, on the top floor. It is the centre of a thriving and growing rural community and the purchase of this property will give the local Trust the control of the village's main asset, allowing their efforts to reach their maximum potential.'
He added: 'I have no hesitation in supporting the Community's efforts to purchase and run the local Hub, the McCosh Hall.'
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