2 refurbished houses and a community-run Bunkhouse
Client
Wigtown & Bladnoch Community Initiative
Completion Date
June 2021
Priorities
- Addressing local housing need
- Town centre regeneration
- Supporting the local economy
Background
Wigtown & Bladnoch Community Initiative (WBCI) was formed to address a local housing need. When the local Bank of Scotland branch closed in 2017, they took the opportunity to buy the empty branch to create housing. The upstairs manager’s flat had not been used as accommodation for many years and the Initiative were keen to bring it back into use. Had the community not purchased the building, it would likely have lain empty and deteriorated over time. Using the Community Right to Buy legislation, the property was purchased at market value with a grant from the Scottish Land Fund.
Wigtown has very little social housing, and what private rental accommodation there is, is often unaffordable for residents. Housing needs research found a demand for both family housing and accommodation for older residents. WBCI therefore converted the majority of the building into two units: one family sized and one for single occupancy, enabling intergenerational living. Community consultation throughout project development also identified a bunkhouse as the best use of the original bank space. Today, this provides much needed affordable holiday accommodation and complements rather than competes with other businesses in the town.
Funding
Development costs were completely grant funded, without the need for additional borrowing. Grants were secured from the Rural Housing Fund, a local windfarm community benefit, SSE Development Fund, Dumfries & Galloway Town Centre Living Fund and the Scottish Government’s Town Centre Capital Fund.
Support
WBCI approached SOSCH for project management support to take their plans forward. SOSCH undertook the housing needs assessment work, project management of the design team, and assisted with funding applications. While WBCI had funding experience, the support and expertise of SOSCH in housing development proved invaluable.
Outcomes
The completed project has delivered affordable homes that respond to identified local housing need. Allocations are guided by an allocations policy informed by the housing need and demand assessment, prioritising families and individuals with a strong connection to Wigtown, particularly those who work and live in the town. As well as addressing local housing need, the project has helped build community confidence and contributed to the revitalisation of Wigtown’s High Street.
“If you want communities to tackle housing issues, there needs to be the grant funding to support it”
Jak Kane
Director, Wigtown & Bladnoch Community Initiative
Future Plans
Following the successful delivery of this project, WBCI is actively exploring further opportunities to provide additional housing to meet the needs of local residents. Ongoing support from Scottish Government will be critical to delivering further housing in the town.
Awards
The Wigtown Affordable Housing and “Book Town Bunkhouse” project was a finalist in the 2022 SURF Awards in the Housing and Regeneration category.