The Grapes, Whithorn, Dumfries & Galloway

2 refurbished units

Client

All Roads Lead to Whithorn

Completion Date

August 2022

Priorities

• Meeting local housing need
• Town centre regeneration
• Tackling fuel poverty

Background

All Roads Lead to Whithorn (ARLTW) was formed following a community consultation event in 2013. The charity’s priorities since its creation have been to support the local community through job creation, improved wellbeing and to keep young people and families within the town. While almost 50% of housing stock within Whithorn is social housing, there is a very low turnover and no new houses have been built for many years; consequently there is a real need for particularly family housing.

ARLTW acquired the former Grapes Hotel in 2018, which has lain derelict in Whithorn’s historic main street for 30 years. A previous owner of the Category C listed Georgian building secured funding for a new roof and windows some 10 years ago, however no further work was undertaken and the building otherwise was susceptible to further deterioration. Local pressure to do something, even demolition, was mounting.

With a large ‘burgess’ plot to the rear of the building which lends itself to further development, ARLTW have decided to take a two-phased approach to the project: Phase 1 concentrated on refurbishing the Grapes Hotel to create two family sized homes, while Phase 2 will see development of the remainder of the site to deliver a further two houses, which will be fully accessible. The houses will all be let at a social rent level, using a locally agreed allocation policy which will prioritise local families in housing need.

Funding

Following a grant from the Scottish Land Fund to purchase the building and site, the wider capital funding package was secured through the Rural Housing Fund, alongside grants from the Scottish Government Town Centre Capital Fund, Dumfries & Galloway Council’s Town Centre Living Fund, the Architectural Heritage Fund, and loan financing.

Support

With no paid staff, all project development was led by volunteer directors. SOSCH supported ARLTW through the acquisition process, including funding applications, business planning and financial modelling, along with community engagement and housing needs assessments. SOSCH’s expertise in affordable housing delivery was particularly welcomed and continuing support is being provided through Phase 2 of the project. The redevelopment of the property was overseen by ARPL Architects and delivered by Broatch Construction.

Outcomes

Community ownership of the former hotel has not only provided much needed affordable, long-term family housing in Whithorn, but has also preserved a historic building, revitalising the historic town centre. The architects’ innovative and sympathetic design has ensured the historic exterior of the building was retained, whilst providing modern, high standard homes within. High energy efficiency standards were a priority for ARLTW, to tackle the high levels of fuel poverty locally, and to ensure the homes would be affordable to maintain for tenants, despite the historic fabric of the buildings. The architect’s bespoke solutions include secondary glazing and above standard insulation levels, to achieve almost Passive House heating standards.

Future Plans

Having secured planning permission for the entire Grapes development, ARLTW are now advancing Phase 2. With support from SOSCH, work is underway to assemble the capital funding package required to progress the project.

Awards

Phase 1 of the former Grapes Hotel was a winner at the Scottish Empty Homes Partnership awards in 2023 in the Best Use of Empty Homes for Affordable Housing category.