Edit The Rejuvenated Garrison House
From 1745 to 2008 - what a journey! As described at the time, the "grand re-opening of a rejuvenated Garrison House, central to Millport both physically and emotionally for more than two-and-a-half centuries, will help restore the heart and confidence of the local people and spearhead a huge regeneration of island life". Let's hear from Kathryn Howell, Development Manager of Garrison House (Cumbrae) Ltd.
How have things worked out at the "new" Garrison House since the opening in March?
Really well - the response we've had from the local community has been fantastic. Everyone has been very impressed with the quality of design and workmanship. The ground floor has been leased to North Ayrshire Council (apart from the cafe area) and I think they have enjoyed working in the building - membership of the library has increased which must be a good sign!
What have been the best aspects of having such a landmark come alive again?
For me, the best aspect has been seeing people walk through the grounds and the sunken garden at the front. It has also been really nice to talk to visitors who remember the building as it was - they all have fond memories of the Garrison and are delighted that it is back to its former glory.
How do you personally find it?
I don't at the moment work in the building but am hoping to move over the next couple of weeks! However, it is a fantastic environment to work in and I've heard that North Ayrshire Council departments from the mainland are very envious!
This was such a fantastic collective, long-term effort: In what way has the local community demonstrated a 'sense of ownership' and pride?
The whole community has been really delighted to see the building re-open and local groups and communities have been contacting me to see how they can use the building for their various events and activities. In June the Cumbrae Queen will be coming back into the Garrison for her 'crowning'. A huge vote of thanks should go to the directors of Cumbrae Community Development Company who have worked tirelessly for the last 11 years to raise the money (over £5 million!) and see the project through to the end - they never gave up even when things got difficult.
What feedback do you get?
The community give me loads of feedback - from ideas about the grounds and gardens to exhibitions and events. We've also had great feedback about the cafe - in particular the home-made soup which is all down to Karen Gledhill, the cafe manager.
Would you like more involvement from Cumbrae residents?
Yes - this is a building for the community and any developments need to be supported by the community.
At the opening the project was described as providing the focus for the regeneration of the community - is that proving to be the case?
The building has only been open since the beginning of March so it is slightly early to say - but the fact that Millport now has a resource like the Garrison will have a positive impact on the community.
What are the next steps in the regeneration process - what still needs to be done?
We're working closely with the Economic Development Unit in North Ayrshire Council to come up with a focused development plan for the Garrison and grounds - this might include projects that will have an impact across the island. We are going to facilitate some focus groups with key members in the community to discuss the draft ideas and get community feedback - hopefully this will be happening over the next month.
In the meantime, the 'all-weather sports pitch' is going ahead and I believe the Council has started the tender process - they are aiming to start work in June/July. There has been a slight delay to the snooker hall due to the delay with the NHS surgery moving into the Garrison. However, things are progressing and hopefully the surgery will be up and running as soon as possible.
What events are planned for the immediate future/summer?
The Cumbrae Queen will be coming back to the Garrison to be crowned on 15th June and we are arranging family events for that weekend. We also have events planned for children in July - on the afternoons of 12th, 19th, 26th July. They are going to be based around the Garrison's history - particularly the part it played in smuggling and pirates! We'll make sure further details are put on s1millport.
How have things worked out at the "new" Garrison House since the opening in March?
Really well - the response we've had from the local community has been fantastic. Everyone has been very impressed with the quality of design and workmanship. The ground floor has been leased to North Ayrshire Council (apart from the cafe area) and I think they have enjoyed working in the building - membership of the library has increased which must be a good sign!
What have been the best aspects of having such a landmark come alive again?
For me, the best aspect has been seeing people walk through the grounds and the sunken garden at the front. It has also been really nice to talk to visitors who remember the building as it was - they all have fond memories of the Garrison and are delighted that it is back to its former glory.
How do you personally find it?
I don't at the moment work in the building but am hoping to move over the next couple of weeks! However, it is a fantastic environment to work in and I've heard that North Ayrshire Council departments from the mainland are very envious!
This was such a fantastic collective, long-term effort: In what way has the local community demonstrated a 'sense of ownership' and pride?
The whole community has been really delighted to see the building re-open and local groups and communities have been contacting me to see how they can use the building for their various events and activities. In June the Cumbrae Queen will be coming back into the Garrison for her 'crowning'. A huge vote of thanks should go to the directors of Cumbrae Community Development Company who have worked tirelessly for the last 11 years to raise the money (over £5 million!) and see the project through to the end - they never gave up even when things got difficult.
What feedback do you get?
The community give me loads of feedback - from ideas about the grounds and gardens to exhibitions and events. We've also had great feedback about the cafe - in particular the home-made soup which is all down to Karen Gledhill, the cafe manager.
Would you like more involvement from Cumbrae residents?
Yes - this is a building for the community and any developments need to be supported by the community.
At the opening the project was described as providing the focus for the regeneration of the community - is that proving to be the case?
The building has only been open since the beginning of March so it is slightly early to say - but the fact that Millport now has a resource like the Garrison will have a positive impact on the community.
What are the next steps in the regeneration process - what still needs to be done?
We're working closely with the Economic Development Unit in North Ayrshire Council to come up with a focused development plan for the Garrison and grounds - this might include projects that will have an impact across the island. We are going to facilitate some focus groups with key members in the community to discuss the draft ideas and get community feedback - hopefully this will be happening over the next month.
In the meantime, the 'all-weather sports pitch' is going ahead and I believe the Council has started the tender process - they are aiming to start work in June/July. There has been a slight delay to the snooker hall due to the delay with the NHS surgery moving into the Garrison. However, things are progressing and hopefully the surgery will be up and running as soon as possible.
What events are planned for the immediate future/summer?
The Cumbrae Queen will be coming back to the Garrison to be crowned on 15th June and we are arranging family events for that weekend. We also have events planned for children in July - on the afternoons of 12th, 19th, 26th July. They are going to be based around the Garrison's history - particularly the part it played in smuggling and pirates! We'll make sure further details are put on s1millport.
- Kathryn is quite right - we have had well over 200 new members of the library since we opened and expect many more during the summer months. A big thank you must also go to NAC Library Dept. for the superb efforts made in equipping the library and providing the stock. Visitor comment is 99% positive and the re-furbished ceiling is stunning. If you haven't yet visited the new library - what are you waiting for? Come and see us - we have wonderful new books and 9 computers for public use with free internet access. As for the Childrens' Library --------- you need to see it to appreciate it. Come and see us - we look forward to welcoming you.