Kirkcudbright has lit up with news that a Dark Skies Visitor Centre and Planetarium will soon be its star attraction.
The astronomy hub in the former Johnston school building is expected to pull in more than 30,000 visitors a year.
It forms part of Kirkcudbright Development Trust’s long-awaited £2.6million redevelopment of the premises.
The project got lift-off after a £300,000 South of Scotland Economic Partnership grant came through this week.
Social enterprise consultants the Creetown Initiative was commissioned to pull together the whole funding package.
Senior projects manager Andrew Ward said: “This is fantastic news. This is the last piece in the whole funding jigsaw.
“There will be rejoicing going on in Kirkcudbright that’s for sure. We will go out to tender within the next week or so and aim to start on site in early July.”
Barhill Community Woodland project launched in Kirkcudbright
Once transformed, the Johnston building will also house a child care facility and youth activity centre.
Other features include a meeting area and premises for business start-ups including a gin distillery and pottery.
Mr Ward estimates at least 10 jobs will be created initially.
He said: “We only have one or two things to sort out with Historic Environment Scotland because it is a listed building.
“The project is for a 10-month build provided no unforseen issues arise.
“Next Easter will probably be pushing it but the new building will be definitely be open for the 2020 summer season.”
He added: “Fundraising started two-and-a-half years ago.
“In that time, we have pulled in £2.6m, which I think is pretty good in the timescale.
“In fairness, we have not had a rejection from any of the major funders.”
Plans to redevelop Johnston School in Kirkcudbright handed £362,000 funding boost
Developers Kirkcudbright Development Trust were delighted it was mission accomplished.
Chairperson Lesley Garbutt said: “The Creetown Initiative have done a tremendous job. We couldn’t have done it without them.
“This final funding will give us the gold standard Dark Skies Centre we were looking for.
“It will be a great attraction and an important economic opportunity for the community.”
She added: “We are just continuing Kirkcudbright’s entrepreneurial spirit over the centuries.”
The Dark Skies Centre and Planetarium is expected to pull in around 30,000 visitors each year.
It is another economic boost to the town following the stellar success of the new Kirkcudbright Galleries.
Rural Economy Secretary Fergus Ewing announced the £300,000 award along with £30,000 for a new training programme for community-based tourism projects across the south of Scotland.
A building resoration project in Hawick town centre also received £60,000.
He said: “The Scottish Government is committed to developing the South of Scotland’s economy to its full potential.
“This investment will boost tourism, create jobs, support existing businesses and act as a catalyst for wider regional regeneration.”
The trust acquired the Johnston building from the council through asset transfer in 2016.
