Plans for a permanent home for a men’s shed group in Cumnock have taken a step closer to reality.
East Ayrshire Council’s cabinet has agreed to approve the lease of 39 Barrhill Road in Cumnock to Cumnock and District Men’s Shed.
Now the onus is on the group to confirm they have been successful in obtaining funds to renovate it.
Ayrshire Live has learned that the former Bookcycle building requires “significant funding” to bring it up to a useable standard.
In March, the local authority’s cabinet agreed to award £50,000 of funding through the Place Based Investment Programme for the building to be refurbished, new windows to be installed and associated works carried out to bring the building back into use for a community-run men’s shed group.
In support of the application, the organisation provided a “strong funding strategy” to fully regenerate the building and bring it back into community use.
While the organisation waits for confirmation of further funding, the group has now requested access to the building so that they can start obtaining quotes from contractors.
As a result, the local authority has granted a temporary licence that will allow them to do this.
The 25-year lease will begin once written confirmation is received to say that all funds for the refurbishment of the building have been acquired and rent will be set at £650 per year.
The Cumnock and District Men's Shed is a community-run organisation, where member can share or learn new skills from experienced tradesmen. They accept members aged 18 and over.
The cabinet decisions are part of the Council’s Community Asset Transfer framework which, since inception, has agreed 59 asset transfers in community ownership/operation throughout East Ayrshire.
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