'Vital' youth facility set to reopen in Golspie following extensive refurbishment
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A 'vital' community building which promises to host youth activities and projects in Golspie is set to re-open this weekend following £350,000 of refurbishments and upgrades.
Go Golspie Development Trust (GGDT) announced this week that the upgraded YMCA building on East Millicent Avenue will be officially unveiled with a ribbon cutting on Saturday.
The previously derelict building has been closed since 2019, but thanks to the generosity of many funders and the support of the community, it has undergone major refurbishment and upgrading of its facilities, and is once more able to offer a number of spaces for the community to use.
The new building will include a large hall, youth/community space, fully fitted kitchen and small meeting/ hotdesking room. The Trust will also occupy a room in the building as their office.
Capital work, which is almost complete, has included replacing a roof and down pipes, repairs to an existing roof and the clock tower roof and the installation of solar panels.
New insulation has also been installed throughout, along with new windows and doors, floors and flooring, damp-proof courses and ceilings.
An accessible WC has also been put in place, along with new heating and lighting systems and a kitchen. The interior has also been redecorated with new fixtures and fittings throughout.
The new facility will be opened with a ribbon cutting at 3pm on Saturday, where children and young people will formally unveil the new premises at the back door of the building.
Members of the public are invited to take the opportunity to see the building, look at the spaces available and chat through ideas for Golspie Youth Club with Golspie Youth Action Project (GYAP) and for intergenerational community activities with the Trust.
Musical entertainment will be provided on the day, as well as tours, tea and biscuits.
GGDT is now working with GYAP to help reopen Golspie Youth Club after the summer holidays. There are also plans for Golspie Gala week events, youth activities, a film club and mindfulness sessions.
The opening of a ‘drop in’ community hub and winter warm space has also been planned.
Valerie Mackay, chair of the Go Golspie Development Trust YMCA sub-group said: "Re-opening this vital facility is going to make a real difference to those who use it particularly to our young people as well as to the wider community.
"We are extremely grateful to all our funders and the community for providing their support as we would not have been able to go ahead and do this otherwise. It is very exciting to finally see the building coming back into use again."
Project funders include: HIE, Highland Council Place Based Investment Programme, Town Centre Fund and Highland Coastal Communities Fund, Hugh Fraser Foundation, The National Lottery Community Fund, SSE Renewables Sustainable Development Fund, SSE Renewables Beatrice Partnership, SSE Renewables Gordonbush Community Fund, the Scottish Landfill Communities Fund and The Westminster Foundation.
