Merkinch regeneration fund bid withdrawn

Representatives of local organisations in Merkinch met last night with Highland Council officials and elected members, to consider proposals for enhanced community and family centre facilities in the area.  In particular they considered the bid for £2m to the national regeneration capital fund, for a new centre on the site of the current family and community centres.  

After discussion, it was agreed to withdraw the regeneration fund bid, and to consider other sites in the community for enhanced facilities, specifically for children, families, youth, and leisure activities.  The community representatives decided to work together on this, and it was agreed to explore the possibility of Council and other funding streams. 

Last night’s meeting was chaired and organised by Bill Alexander, the Council’s Director of Care and Learning.  

He said, “Last night’s meeting reinforced the aspirations of community organisations across Merkinch for enhanced local facilities.  It recognised the concerns of users of the community centre about potential disruption to their current activities, and also that there are needs and aspirations within the community that cannot be met by the existing local services.  It is important that we encourage further investment in Merkinch, but also important that we reassure users of the community centre, that their current activities will not be disrupted.”