Application for funding to turn post office building into creative hub

This application would be submitted by the council on behalf of Stromness’s Pier Arts Centre.

Application for funding for Stromness post office building — The project would result in the derelict former post office being turned into spaces for learning and for use by the community. LDRS

Andrew Stewart

3rd Nov 2023

Posted in

Orkney Islands

Councillors in Orkney are to discuss an application to the Scottish Government’s Regeneration Capital Grant Fund (RCGF) asking for funding which would help turn the old Stromness Post Office into a creative arts hub.

Council officers have put forward a recommendation to the council’s Community Development Fund Sub-Committee which says they should submit a funding application, to the tune of £1,608,000, to the Scottish Government

This application would be submitted by the council on behalf of Stromness’s Pier Arts Centre.

This is not the first time money for the project has been sought through the RCGF. However, it has been turned down in the past.

It’s noted in the report due before the Development Fund Sub-committee that the RCGF is a competitive fund and tends to be over-subscribed.

The creative arts hub project would result in the derelict former post office being turned into spaces for learning, for use by the community, schools, students as well as professional and amateur artists.

Artistic activities would be held for locals and tourists alike.

It would also provide short-term residential facilities for artists and performers.

However, the project would see the former post office partially demolished.

The total cost for the creative hub is being put at £4,288,857.

Councillors on the Community Development Sub-committee will make their decision when they meet next Monday afternoon.