The first community consultation on-site at Cargenbridge took place on Thursday offering residents and stakeholders the chance to see details of a £4.2million regeneration scheme.
Site project director John McGee welcomed the opportunity to reveal plans to breathe new life into part of the almost 27 acres of disused old ICI industrial site in Dumfries through an indoor and outdoor intergenerational redevelopment project which could create at least 25 new jobs.
He told the Standard they were pleased with the turnout on Thursday and public support they have been receiving.
Mr McGee said: “We have also had a great deal of positive interest via messages and website.”
Another consultation will be held on August 12 but anyone who wants to go along must register online at: cargenbridge.qoscommunity.com.
Mr McGee said that everyone is welcome to apply to attend the second consultation or can leave any feedback and support for the project via the online Q&A section of the website.
He added: “This development will connect all generations, supporting child and people care, nature and environment, health and wellbeing, fitness, rehabilitation and sports that will improve life experience; for the young and mature – physical and mental health.
“We are in discussions with council and planning and do not foresee any issue with the planning of the nursery.”
Lochmaben businesswoman Jackie Bell of Jaybees (Childcare) Limited is behind the major project and aims to expand into Dumfries to meet the growing demands for childcare locally and at DGRI.
She has submitted plans for a 24-hour childcare and day creche nursery with indoor and outdoor learning spaces. It is based on needs identified in a feasibility study.
As well as a forest classroom and fruit and vegetable garden, the plan is to include a range of leisure and recreation spaces which can be enjoyed by the local community on site including proposals for a green outdoor gym, cycle paths, nature trails, raised allotments and a honey bee sanctuary. And she has already been in discussion with a number of community, academic partners and stakeholders in the town to “help shape a shared vision for the indoor and outdoor spaces at Cargenbridge that respond to local needs”.
