Portpatrick Harbour Community Hub
Project Description
Portpatrick Harbour Community Hub was created as a result of a renovation project. We were able to get funding in 2018 to totally resurface the harbour area to create a safe environment for all community members and harbour users and we then looked at the row of old sheds on the harbourside and it was decided that we should apply for funding and create a Community Hub from the old sheds. We were fortunate that our design/plan was provided free of charge by a member of our community who is also a member of our Society. Our plan was to renovate the sheds and create a building which fitted into the surroundings and the harbour area. All our plans were available for viewing on our website, through our Newsletters to community shareholders, and on our notice board on the harbour. Funding was obtained through Dumfries & Galloway Fisheries Local Action Group (FLAG) and FLAG awarded our project European Maritime & Fisheries Funding and Scottish Government funding in order to allow us to develop an asset which would serve the local community, harbour users and visiting boats. A contractor was appointed and work began with help from community members with the necessary skills. We now are the proud owners of a wonderful Community Hub which has a community workshop, storage, a harbour office, a multi-function community room and a laundry/kitchenette facility which is available to harbour users and community members.
Supporting Statement
Portpatrick Harbour Community Benefit Society was formed in 2015 and we used Community Shares to buy back our Harbour from a property developer who had allowed the harbour to fall into disrepair. We have 554 members who are community shareholders. We are a registered Scottish Charity and we have nominated our Harbour Community Hub because it is an excellent example of a community working together to create a place where all community members can be involved. Our Hub is accessible to all and we have installed WiFi in the Hub and CCTV on the harbour area to provide an internet link at the Hub and to provide security on the harbour area making it a safe area for everyone. Installed at the Hub we have a defibrillator and an emergency generator which can be used for the benefit of the whole community. We have also installed a projector and screen in order to show films for Portpatrick Film Club and for educational purposes. We have been able to purchase tables and chairs and blinds for the Hub with kind donations we have received from local businesses and from our Community Council. We also have ten display screens, funded by local businesses, which can be used to provide a history of the village through narration and pictures and to advertise forthcoming events taking place in the Hub. We have many items and pictures of historical interest on display in our community room and this will be used as a heritage centre during the day, open to all, as well as for community groups to use. We are currently recruiting volunteers from the community to help manage the Hub and give information on the facilities and heritage to visitors to the village and members of the community alike. We have requested that members of the community bring their ideas to the Hub Club which is a weekly open forum to explore avenues for maximum utilization of the Community Hub. We had our opening day in August last year and attracted a large crowd to the harbour where we had a barbeque, teas and coffees and home baking and raffles, tombola, children's activities to name but a few all provided by local businesses and community members. We welcome community groups/charities who can use the Hub to raise funds for themselves by running quiz nights, film nights and other events including car boot sales on the harbour area. We have a seasonally available touch tank and fish tank which are used to showcase the sea life around our area and these are of particular interest to younger visitors to the Hub. We believe that our Community Hub provides a wonderful facility for all community members and visitors alike and that our village now has a well designed, comfortable, accessible area for everyone to enjoy. We have many plans for the future including outside seating and flower planters which will enhance the Hub and provide a further recreational area for the community. We have also been looking at introducing a “Country Market” to the Hub and harbourside area in the Summer months. Our Harbour and Community Hub are included in the programme “Our Coast” due to be broadcast in the next two weeks. This was recorded in the Summer with many community members and children from our local primary school taking part.Gallery of images
