The Ravenspoint Centre is owned by Co-Chomunn na Pairc (the Park Community Co-operative) and houses a shop (the only one in South Lochs), hostel, tea-room, exhibition area, and a number of offices occupied by local organisations. The Co-Chomunn is facing two long-term problems in keeping these vital community facilities going – the building is deteriorating, and it is becoming increasingly difficult to find sufficient volunteers to keep services operating. This was the background to the commissioning of a feasibility study in January 2007, funded by the Big Lottery Fund, to identify options for the future of the building.

The feasibility study recommended a radical redevelopment of the Centre to increase revenue, building on key resources such as the area’s history and culture, and wildlife, so that additional jobs could be created and local services improved. The preferred option, which has been on display at Ravenspoint since Summer 2007, and has received the support from the community at meetings and other consultation, is known as the 2-storey extension option and would involve:

* retaining and renovating the front of the Ravenspoint building (the original school-room and school-master’s house)

* upgrading the 14-bed hostel

* extending the shop and providing a greater range of produce, including locally grown and made items (food and craft type goods)

* demolishing the later sub-standard structures at the rear of the building and replacing these with a new two-storey building.

* relocating the tea-room to the ground floor of the new structure to take advantage of the very attractive views over Loch Erisort at the rear of the building.

* providing extra space on the ground floor for exhibitions on wildlife and history, including Gaelic culture.

* providing additional office space on the first floor of the new building.

The estimated cost of the redevelopment, including a renewable energy component, repairs to the existing building where retained, furnishings and fittings, professional and statutory fees, VAT, contingency, and the first 3 years running costs for two new jobs which would be created, is some £900,000. Following local consultation, the Co-Chomunn submitted an outline proposal to the Big Lottery Fund based on the preferred option, and were invited to submit a detailed application (including planning permission and building warrant approval for the new plans, a business plan for the Co-Chomunn, and legal documentation). The Big Lottery Fund awarded the Co-Chomunn some £30,000 in November 2007 to progress this application.

The plans will be firmed up over the winter 2007/08 with a view to submitting a detailed application to the Big Lottery Fund in Summer 2008. This will involve further discussions with bodies who may occupy space in the new Ravenspoint. Discussions will also be held with other potential funders, eg CnES, HIE, European funding, SNH, Bord na Gaidhlig. Fund-raising events will also be held. Comments on the developing plans are welcome from everyone – telephone 01851 880236 or visit Ravenspoint.

The aim is that the new Ravenspoint will provide improved services for the residents of South Lochs, attract visitors to the area, and provide a showcase for the various initiatives now underway in South Lochs.

Co-Chomunn na Pairc

December 2007