PLANS to bring a former church in the heart of Alexandria back to life have taken a major step forward – almost a decade since the building was last used.
The former St Andrew's Church building in Main Street, last used as a place of worship in 1995, has been derelict since 2012.
But a £750,000 grant from the Scottish Government to West Dunbartonshire Council (WDC) will be put towards plans to transform the building into a creative arts venue.
The council is working with local charity Viresco Studios on a project to encourage greater participation in the arts, creative enterprises and cultural activity.
The money will be used to create studios, workshops, training space, areas for events for exhibitions, and a cafe inside the building – which will become known as the Viresco Studios and Arts Centre.
When complete the venue will include areas for local people to take part in creative activities, a training kitchen, and space to provide placements and work experience opportunities for the area's young people.
Plans also include bespoke furnshings and features designed by local artists and craftspeople and inspired by the Vale's history and heritage.
Now that the money, from the government's Regeneration Capital Grants Fund, is in place, Creative Scotland and Historic Environment Scotland will also be asked to provide financial support for the scheme.
Councillor Iain McLaren, WDC's convener of infrastructure, regeneration and economic development, said: “This building has long been a focal point and landmark in Alexandria and bringing it back into use as a venue which will offer so much to the community is a wonderful idea.
“I’m sure that Viresco Studios will be an invaluable resource for local residents and also attract visitors to the area, benefitting the whole town centre.
“Alexandria has a rich history in the textiles industry and I’m pleased this facility will provide the resource for local people to become involved with it in the future.
READ MORE: First-time property developer snaps up former church in Alexandria (from 2015)
“I look forward to seeing this project progress.”
The proposed development will bring an initial investment of £1m to Alexandria for the restoration, with an estimated £250,000 to be invested in the next five years.
Up to 20 jobs will be created through the building works.
Communities secretary Aileen Campbell added: “The Regeneration Capital Grant Fund is all about enhancing communities by delivering new or refurbished buildings for local people, and this former church will be a fantastic accessible space for wider participation in a range of arts and creative activities.
“Alongside COSLA we are delivering a further £25 million of investment this year to 26 new projects across Scotland and I am pleased that Alexandria will benefit from a share of this funding.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here