PLANS to transform a large derelict pub in the region’s largest public housing scheme into a community hub have received a major boost.
It follows Tuesday’s news that the Big Lottery Fund has confirmed a grant of £56,670 to Burnfoot Community Futures (BCF), a not-for-profit company which has already secured a new multi-use games area and Christmas lights for the Hawick estate.
The cash will allow the group, which has resident representation, to take forward its proposal to develop the boarded-up Roadhouse, in Burnfoot Road, into a community hub comprising a café, function room, childcare facilties, room rental spaces, a play area and a community garden.
The grant will see a design team engaged to progress the plans and also help fund a part-time development worker.
BCF chair Zoe Hall said: “The community has worked very hard over the last five years to realise our dream of owning and operating our very own hub and this amazing support from the Big Lottery Fund will help us take a very significant step forward.
“By obtaining professional designs and planning consent, we will be in the best position to buy the site and achieve the next stage of full funding to actually create the facilities. This gives us real confidence for the future.”