Laxdale Community Association (LCA)
Business plan, funding advice and support to save and renovate Laxdale Community Hall
“Accelerate’s support has been invaluable in helping us to secure our funding.”
- Laxdale Community Association (LCA)
The challenge
The Laxdale Community Association (LCA) has acted as the caretaker for Laxdale Community Hall near Stornoway on the Isle of Lewis since the 1940’s. Over recent years, the hall has gradually fallen into disrepair and following the COVID19 pandemic, it closed completely for over 2 years.
The closure impacted all sections of the community. Families were dependent on a sparse bus service to take them to Stornoway to use and pay for facilities. The local primary school was unable to access the space for PE and cultural activities. And elderly residents lost access to the hall’s community kitchen.
LCA sought support through Accelerate to secure funding to restore the hall and develop it as a community hub. They also wanted to employ a Community Development Officer.
How we helped
Accelerate helped to develop and revise LCA’s business plan. This also included support with bids for funding and 3-year cash flow projections with ideas for income generation.
The result
Community asset re-opened and available to all groups within the community
Business plan completed with ideas for sustainability and funds in place for building renovations
The hall is now open again and hosts various community groups and events. With improved services and staffing in place, the LCA can develop trading opportunities to ensure its long-term sustainability.
The group are also more engaged with other community groups in Lewis and further afield. They are being supported by funders and now have the confidence to approach new funders.
Feeling inspired?
If you are part of a community group who is not yet trading
and would like free support to become more sustainable
and enterprising, check out our Accelerate programme.