Grantown Society aiming for a ‘golden’ anniversary hub launch on the High Street
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The Grantown Society is celebrating another “red-letter” day for the Strathspey capital with the release of funds for the purchase of the former Hydro Shop in the High Street.
“The trustees are delighted with the success of purchasing the former SSE showroom,” chairman Bill Sadler told the Strathy after Tuesday night’s board meeting.
“We want to acknowledge the support from the Scottish Land Fund and Highlands and Islands Enterprise.
“The task now is to raise funds for efficient heating, lighting, refurbishment and equipping the premises as a state-of-the-art community hub, providing an internet lounge and space for local information and promotions.”
Mr Sadler confirmed that work was in progress collecting estimates for all the modifications to the building, applying for grants and seeking support and sponsorship.
“There is as yet no date set for opening but it would be wonderful, if perhaps optimistic, if this could coincide with the society's 50th birthday on May 31.”
The Grantown Hub will provide work and retail space, information and research facilities, along with a workshop.
The facility will come comple with Gigabit broadband, a 24/7 ATM and managed public Wi-Fi and a fully-equipped internet lounge with provision for hot-desking and co-working, internet meetings and video conferencing. “The Hub will exist as a community-led venture to promote the town and wider Strathspey.
“It will provide local information, digital inclusion and access to health and wellbeing resources.”
The society has received £118,663 from the Scottish Land Fund to enable it to buy the shop, which has stood vacant now for more than seven years.
The award was made during the latest round of SLF funding, during an extended Community Land Week in
