Latest news with #Levelling
Daily Record
14-07-2025
- Business
- Daily Record
Dumfries and Galloway bike facilities set for upgrade thanks to Levelling Up cash
Plans are being made for 'multi-modal transport hubs' in both Castle Douglas and Gatehouse. Bike facilities are set to be improved in two Stewartry towns. Plans are being made for 'multi-modal transport hubs' in both Castle Douglas and Gatehouse. The developments – which would include bike lockers, repair stations and electric vehicle charging points – would be funded by the UK Government's Levelling Up fund. Two years ago, the council was awarded £13.8 million through the scheme to boost green transport links. One of the hubs could be in the Market Hill area of Castle Douglas and would include the existing tourist information centre. A public consultation on the idea is under way, with documents showing it would contain bike storage lockers – including e-bike charging points – a repair station, a bike and dog wash, EV charging points and parking bays for car club hire. There would also be 'improved community space'. The proposal was discussed at a recent meeting of the town's community council. Posting on the body's Facebook page, community councillor Colin Eade said: 'We were amongst several other community groups in the town who received this presentation from the council, and we were asked for our thoughts and feedback, as were the other groups. 'As a community council, whilst we thought the idea was a great one, we were concerned with potential designs that would require losing parking spaces on the Market Hill, as this could be detrimental to local businesses. 'We were also concerned about designs that required trees to be chopped down, or too much green space being used that could negatively impact events such as the producers' market, civic week events or the soap box derby, as well as the day-to-day enjoyment of the park by local people. 'We suggested considering the space immediately beside the existing Heart of Galloway building, as this would protect parking spaces and trees, but remain in a central location. 'There was no vote taken by the community council regarding where the hub should be located, and the final design has been created by Dumfries and Galloway Council based on feedback from all the community groups.' And he added: 'As a community council, we fully support the creation of this new hub as we believe it will be a great asset to our town.' A council spokesman said: 'Dumfries and Galloway Council is currently developing a multi-modal transport hub in Castle Douglas, to be located on Market Hill, supported by funding from the UK Government's Levelling Up Fund. 'This is part of a wider initiative to deliver nine transport hubs across the region, aimed at making sustainable and active travel more accessible for residents and visitors. Click here for more news and sport from Dumfries and Galloway. 'The Castle Douglas hub will incorporate the tourist information centre and is designed to support walking, cycling, and public transport use. 'The consultation is advertised in several places on the land, within the local customer service centre, and within the visitor information centre. Local stakeholder groups have also been sent the notices and information.' Paper copies of the consultation are available from the customer service centre in Castle Douglas Library. Responses can be submitted there or to LUFtransport@ A planning application has been submitted to create another hub at Fleet Vale Car Park in Gatehouse. It would also have lockers, a repair station and an EV charging point as well as a bus waiting area.
South Wales Argus
14-07-2025
- Business
- South Wales Argus
Chepstow railway station refurb needs £1.4m from council
The UK Government has already agreed to make £5.2m available for an overhaul of Chepstow railway station, and other public transport improvements in the town, though that will not include accessibility improvements despite there being no disabled access to the westbound platform. Monmouthshire County Council is being asked to provide 'match funding' of 30 per cent towards the scheme. Councillors were told last month plans for the revamp of the station were being developed and at their July meeting they will be asked to agree to press ahead with the project and enter into an agreement with the UK Government. They will also be asked to underwrite capital match funding of £1,407,692 to be drawn down between the financial years 2025/26 and 2028/29 , however the council aims to use its 'best endeavours' to find alternative funding to avoid having to dip into its capital budget. The council will also be asked to delegate to its chief infrastructure officer responsibility for developing the project, in consultation with the cabinet member, and through engagement with local councillors, Chepstow Town Council and community stakeholders. Council deputy leader, and Chepstow Castle and Larkfield member, Paul Griffiths told the June meeting he 'unfortunately' couldn't give a commitment the lack of disabled access would be addressed as that is the responsibility of Network Rail and it was unlikely to have plans in place during the timframe the council willl have to spend the funding from Westminster. A report for the council's Thursday, July 17 meeting states: 'The proposals will not result directly in the provision of an accessible footbridge; however, we will continue to support Network Rail and other stakeholders in lobbying for the construction of this much needed footbridge.' It outlines the planned improvements as refurbishment of the station building to include public toilets, which the council will maintain, and potentially a waiting room and the purchase of third party land to create a park and ride facility. The original proposal was to replace car parking at the station forecourt to provide two bus stops and a turning circle, creating a bus / rail interchange. Those plans have now been revised due to opposition to the loss of parking spaces which the council has said could have deterred commuters from using the station. Other plans include new bus stops at Moor Street, Mount Pleasant, and Welsh Street and a new pedestrian crossing between the A48 and Tesco and a bus only access to Chepstow Community Hospital, though these are subject to a review. READ MORE: Autumn Statement: Funding announced for Monmouthshire Further consultation on new cycling and footpaths is also taking place. The proposals were first submitted for UK Government support, from its Levelling Up Fund, in July 2022 which was rejected in January the following year however the £5.2m for creating the bus turning was announced by then Chancellor Jeremy Hunt in November, 2023. The report states: 'Without any prior contact with the Council, the then Chancellor announced in the Autumn Budget of 2023 that funding of £5,227,320 had been allocated to enable the project to be implemented.'
STV News
05-06-2025
- Business
- STV News
Edinburgh Filmhouse to reopen following £2m refurbishment
Edinburgh's independent cinema Filmhouse is reopening after a major refurbishment and a fundraising campaign to save the venue. The historic cinema, which closed in October 2022, has undergone a £2m transformation that includes expanded facilities, updated technical capabilities, and improved visitor comfort. The venue will reopen on June 27 with three refurbished screens and public areas, with a fourth smaller screen scheduled to open in July. Originally a three-screen venue, the revamped Filmhouse will now offer four screens in total, including a new intimate space with 24 seats designed for private screenings and hires. The total seating capacity will be around 350. Councillor Margaret Graham, Culture and Communities Convener, said: 'It is wonderful that the Filmhouse will be opening its doors once again. I am sure that many people across Edinburgh and beyond will be looking forward to this event. 'This much-loved cinema is both a community hub and cultural asset for the city. Its refurbishment will allow even more people enjoy the magic of global cinema in the heart of the city. I look forward to seeing the programme of events that will be on offer once the Filmhouse opens for business.' Filmhouse has long been a cultural hub for Edinburgh and Scotland's film community, showcasing independent, international, and arthouse cinema alongside local film festivals. The reopening programme will feature many films missed during its closure and promises a diverse range of screenings, including live theatre and opera broadcasts. The refurbishment was funded through a combination of public grants, community fundraising, and private donations. The 'Open the Doors!' crowdfunding campaign alone raised over £324,000, supported by thousands of film lovers locally and globally. Supporters of the cinema include notable Scottish actors and filmmakers such as Jack Lowden, Charlotte Wells, Dougray Scott, Brian Cox, and Emma Thompson, all of whom backed the campaign to save the venue. The UK Government's Levelling Up Community Ownership Fund contributed £1.5m, alongside funding from Screen Scotland, Creative Scotland, and the City of Edinburgh Council. A long-term lease was secured with the building's owners, Caledonian Heritable, ensuring Filmhouse's presence on Lothian Road for at least 25 years. The building itself, a repurposed church dating back to 1978, has been carefully restored, including roof and stonework repairs. Inside, new seating offers extra legroom and comfort, and the foyer has been redesigned. The Filmhouse Bar, a popular social spot, has been refurbished to seat 100 people and will continue to serve locally sourced food and drinks, with an emphasis on sustainability. The cinema also plans to expand its educational outreach with a dedicated learning and engagement officer and partnerships with film schools. New leadership has been appointed to guide Filmhouse into its next chapter, including executive director Andrew Simpson and a growing team. Mr Simpson said: 'The love for Filmhouse never went away, it was just waiting to be reignited. The incredible response to its closure showed us how vital this space is, not just for Edinburgh, but for audiences across Scotland and beyond. We are returning with fresh energy, a clear plan for the future, and a commitment to delivering world-class film experiences for everyone. Filmhouse belongs to its community, and we're excited to welcome people back.' Filmhouse is expected to play a key role in this year's Edinburgh International Film Festival, with details to be announced soon. Scottish secretary Ian Murray said: 'It's blockbuster news that the much cherished Filmhouse in Edinburgh is re-opening its doors after three years. 'Thanks to £1.54m UK Government funding and much hard work from the Filmhouse team and partners, cinema-goers are set for a thrilling experience in a fully refurbished venue that meets modern audience expectations. I can't wait to take in a movie there.' Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
Western Telegraph
28-05-2025
- Western Telegraph
Transformation of Haverfordwest Castle to involve locals
Pembrokeshire County Council is working with Haverfordwest Castle CIO to create a new visitor experience in the old County Gaol within the castle grounds. This initiative, funded by the National Heritage Lottery Fund, aims to showcase stories from Pembrokeshire's past, present, and future. People are encouraged to share their thoughts on what they'd like to see at the castle by filling in a questionnaire at or picking up a paper copy at County Hall, Haverfordwest. The survey takes around five minutes and residents are asked to share their own stories, memories, and thoughts about the county. The new visitor experience will not only focus on the castle but will also highlight stories from across the county, reflecting the unique character of Pembrokeshire and its people. The project aims to create an attraction that resonates with both locals and visitors, drawing on the stories, ideas, and memories of those with ties to the castle or other parts of Pembrokeshire. The transformation project has been in development for nearly a decade, in collaboration with a group of community stakeholders. Once completed, the new attraction will be managed by Haverfordwest Castle CIO, a charitable organisation that has emerged from this stakeholder group. The first stage of the project is already underway, focusing on restoring the castle and the old gaol, with funding from the Levelling Up Fund. Once these areas are ready, they will be fitted out with an exhibition. The project, which has been nearly a decade in the making, has been developed with input from an active group of community stakeholders. Haverfordwest Castle CIO will run the attraction once it opens.
Pembrokeshire Herald
02-05-2025
- Pembrokeshire Herald
Milford Haven Town Council Confirms Mayor and Deputy Mayor for 2025–2026
A BRAINSTORMING session has been held at HaverHub to discuss the next stages of the Haverfordwest Castle redevelopment – a key part of Pembrokeshire County Council's regeneration plans for the county town. Castle Ward county councillor Thomas Tudor was among those in attendance, along with representatives from Haverfordwest Town Council, the Royal Institute of British Architects, Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, and community members including Randell Izaiah Thomas-Turner and Gitti Coats. The Heart of Pembrokeshire team at the county council hosted the meeting to provide an update on the scheme, which aims to turn the historic castle, Gaol building and Governor's House into a flagship visitor attraction. The council says the upgraded site will tell the story of Pembrokeshire past, present and future – with interactive, tech-based exhibits housed in the refurbished Gaol building. The redeveloped Governor's House will become home to a new town museum, while the inner bailey will serve as a space for theatre, live music, fayres and other events. Access to the site will be improved from Castle Square, with new way-marking throughout the town. Plans also include a new 'signature bridge' over the Western Cleddau, linking the site to Riverside. The Herald understands that 88 per cent of Haverfordwest residents surveyed in a recent consultation supported the redevelopment of the castle as a visitor attraction and community space. Many locals believe the project will help make Haverfordwest a better place to live, work and visit. Funding for the scheme is being provided by the UK Government's Levelling Up Fund, with match funding from Pembrokeshire County Council. Further funding is being sought to complete the fit-out and support associated community activities. Haverfordwest Castle is currently closed while the work takes place. The museum has been temporarily relocated to a site on the Riverside, and the car park at the castle is shut for the duration of the development. The flagship attraction is expected to open to the public in Spring 2027.
