The idea is to give the people of Dumfries an opportunity to invest directly in a scheme to improve the quality of life
within the town – and the region.
It would be good to see young people who are frustrated at
the lack of action, - coming forward with ideas for their town.
We’ve seen huge
sums of money raised for the Alexandra Unit over the years, - and of-course, undeniably, - the unit is a superb facility.
However, - given the constraints placed upon the council with regards to budgets, - plus the present credit crunch, there
appears to be little opportunity for investment from either the private or public sector.
Rather than waiting for
the private investor to suddenly appear, - like a genie out of a bottle, - could we not all contribute, - in lots of little
ways, - providing investment capital for the schemes we all want for the area?
For example, -the Dumfries public,
( and by Dumfries, - I mean the region ) have been pleading for years for a 10 pin bowling alley and a multi-plex cinema.
Through The People’s Project, could we not provide these types of facilities for them?
THE DOCUMENT BELOW IS THE INITIAL DRAFT FOR THE PEOPLE'S PROJECT,- which mentions the Loreburn
Hall. - Sadly the hall has been allowed to fall into disrepair and it would require a huge amount of money to even make it
usable, - probably over £1 million! That is a huge amount of money to spend for very little return, - and on behalf
of The PP, - I believe that it is now not worth trying to save. However, - the former Tesco store which
is now owned by Queen of the South is in an ideal location for a revamp.
As our
retail sector changes beyond all recognition, - there may well be other buildings that could be used for different purposes.
- Woolworths is in a prime location, - could it not be used for leisure for example?
HOW?
- A bank account has been opened for The People’s Project,
- allowing anyone to make donations large or small. PLEASE NOTE THERE ARE NO ADMIN CHARGES (bank account details available here).
- Businesses could tie their colours to the mast by making cheque presentations, - showing their willingness to
invest in the local economy.
- Individuals could give something back to the community by re-investing in it.
- Companies
and schools could have “dress down days” with all proceeds going to the fund.
- Supermarkets and Public
Houses could place buckets or bottles for the project.
- People could bequeath funds to the project on the event
of their death.
- Sponsored events of all types could take place.
- Churches could become involved in a practical
local project.
- The Project would become self perpetuating.
The list
is effectively endless!
WHO WOULD RUN IT?
A steering group would need to be formed, - made up of a mix of business
people; philanthropists; youth and experience, willing to devote time and energy to our area, without expecting a director’s
cheque at the end of each financial year!
The group would expect the local council to assist with grant
applications, - free planning; and all ancillary assistance, - bearing in mind there would be a huge reduction in
consultant fees, - as they would have a team of consultants working hand in hand with them – and making the all important
decisions, - removing the risk from our elected members.
THE FIRST PROJECT
As already intimated, the area desperately requires some much needed leisure
facilities and a town centre draw.
Could the Loreburn Hall (or some other building) not be converted into a multi
use facility? It is already publicly owned, and surely a better use could be found for it than turning it into 30 car-parking
spaces?
It could house a three screen multi-plex, - each theatre containing 100 seats. Next to this could
be a bar, restaurant/café adjacent to say, a six lane 10 pin bowling alley. Beyond this could be a “Laser
Quest,” a Climbing Wall and a “Paint Ball Bedlam Centre” for example.
All the above would draw
people into the town centre, - and if the 10 pin bowling was full, - they might try some other activity, - or go to take in
a film.
All of the above would create employment, - pumping money into the local economy, - and attracting people
to the area. It would be prudent to keep the businesses local, - rather than bringing in outside franchises, - which
would simply strip cash away from Dumfries. Perhaps a co-operative of businesses overseen by The People’s Project?
The
Project could set sensible salary levels, - with any profits realised ploughed back into the upkeep of the building –
rather than lining individuals pockets. It could also decide to close any area which was deemed uneconomic and consider a
change of use.
Ultimately, - if the above project proved unsuccessful and a financial drain on resources, the board
could vote to “pull the plug”.
Hopefully, though, an idea like this might entice further inward investment
in the town, - as it would be seen as a “go-ahead” town, - rather than somewhere in the doldrums.
As already mentioned above, - the former Tesco site at Palmerston Park is perfect for a real People's Project,
- and it has the added advantage of a car-park with 100's of spaces. - Could the football club work with The People's
Project and really make Dumfries The Queen of The South?
FUTURE PROJECTS
Hopefully the people of the town would appreciate that their money was being spent wisely and continue to donate to the
cause.
The Dumfries public would be invited to suggest future causes by contacting the steering group or project manager.
A list of appropriate projects would be drawn up and the local people would vote on which one they preferred. This would
keep it very egalitarian – and allow the locals a real say in the running of their region.
HOW TO GET IT STARTED
Contact a number of local people and businesses who have the town/region
in their blood, - and get them behind the project and hopefully prominent local people will show their willingness
for the Project and make a donation.
Get the Standard and Radio West Sound to give it saturation coverage, - and
hopefully some money will start to drip feed its way into the coffers of The People's Project.
Once there
is backing, - it is imperative that this is no mealy-mouthed nonsense and we go about schemes on a “Challenge Aneka”
basis, - bringing projects to fruition.
IN CONCLUSION
This is not for the feint hearted, nor is it for those of us who want to make a quick buck. – This is
THE PEOPLE’S PROJECT, an opportunity to take Dumfries by the scruff of the neck and put it firmly on the map…
ARE YOU UP FOR IT?
