Newtongrange Development Trust
Action plan for the asset transfer of the local bowling green and pavilion for community development and creation of a business case exploring the opportunities available
“It has been great working with the Acclerate programme. It has managed to take our wide-ranging ideas and put them into a coherent document that we can refer to regularly and ensure we are all on the same track.”
- Newtongrange Development Trust
The challenge
Newtongrange Development Trust (NDT) was established in the former mining village in Midlothian following concerns regarding the impact of new housing and the removal of community facilities. The aim was to develop and create sustainable initiatives for the benefit of local people.
An early objective for the organisation was to identify a permanent base which would belong to the community and could offer services. It was important that these initiatives could generate additional income for NDT and contribute to longer term sustainability.
The bowling green and pavilion was identified as an option for Community Asset Transfer. NDT sought the support of Accelerate to help build the business case.
How we helped
Accelerate supported NDT to develop the business case, which included garnering local support for the project, assessing local economic benefits, capital requirements to make the premises suitable for community activity and options for new services and facilities for the local community.
The result
Sustainable community hub opened including a cafe and new services offered to local community
Business case created
The complete business case identified new activities like a coffee shop, a kitchen suitable for training, a space to hire for groups, meetings and small events and outdoor and indoor space for children’s parties.
The aim is to establish the Bowling Pavilion as the community hub and also contribute to the ongoing longevity of NDT itself.
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.