15/5/2008How happy are we with our 'new' Garrison House?
The regenerated Garrison House has now been open and operational for more than two months. How are we enjoying the experience so far and what lies ahead?
Development Manager Kathryn Howell is definitely smiling. "Things have worked out 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!"
At the opening ceremony in March the project was described as providing the focus for the regeneration of the community - is that proving to be the case? Kathryn feels it's slightly early to say - but the fact that Millport now has a resource like the Garrison will have a positive impact on the community.
"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.
"For the immediate feature, planned events include the Cumbrae Queen coming back to the Garrison to be crowned on the 15th of 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 and 26th of 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."
Read the whole interview with Kathryn under The Rejuvenated Garrison House in the Area & History section of s1millport.
How proud are we of this splendid accomplishment? What has your personal experience of the long-awaited Garrison been? And looking towards the future: What should be included in the future development of the site?
Development Manager Kathryn Howell is definitely smiling. "Things have worked out 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!"
At the opening ceremony in March the project was described as providing the focus for the regeneration of the community - is that proving to be the case? Kathryn feels it's slightly early to say - but the fact that Millport now has a resource like the Garrison will have a positive impact on the community.
"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.
"For the immediate feature, planned events include the Cumbrae Queen coming back to the Garrison to be crowned on the 15th of 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 and 26th of 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."
Read the whole interview with Kathryn under The Rejuvenated Garrison House in the Area & History section of s1millport.
How proud are we of this splendid accomplishment? What has your personal experience of the long-awaited Garrison been? And looking towards the future: What should be included in the future development of the site?
- The building is lovely and the library is fantastic, my son is two and wants to go all the time!
- It seems that on Sat 31 May there was a throng of people at the Garrison in the morning wanting to go into the cafe which was not open. There therefore would appear to be a demand for this service not only by visitors but also by locals. A local had arranged to meet another local for morning coffee and was very disappoointed at the cafe being closed. Can someone please take note.
- A soft play in the vast empty space in the garrsion building would be great for the kids