Following last year’s blaze that struck the Gorebridge Beacon even before construction was completed, as well as a drawn-out process with insurers, the Gorebridge Community Development Trust (GCDT) reports that the project is back on track.
“We are back on site and the building work is following the programme,” said Beacon development manager Jane Burridge, as quoted by
Midlothian Advertiser.
According to Burridge, GCDT is currently seeking financial support after a previous application failed to secure a grant that would serve as Beacon’s start-up funds. She said the community building, which caught fire six weeks before completion, is projected to be financially sustainable after two years.
“It has been a long process with insurance companies because it’s very complicated,” noted the development manager. “The investigation they needed to carry out took quite a long period of time but we are hoping to get the building open later this year.
“We are working with the funders, including the council, just looking at the options for getting the building open.”
As for the Midlothian Council, the report said the possibility of it taking over the community-run hub exists, with an unnamed spokesperson confirming it is among the options.
Meanwhile Councillor Russell Imrie, Midlothian Council’s cabinet member for economic development, said they have set up a think tank to explore all opportunities to ensure the Beacon has a viable future.
“One of the options is the building being run by others,” added Imrie. “We continue to work closely with the trust on this issue and a decision will be made as quickly as we can.”
Related stories:
Flooded synagogue saved by donations
Round-the-clock fire wardens patrol at-risk Poplar property
.jpg)
