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The Scottish Civic Trust (SCT) My Place Awards, supported by the Scottish Government, celebrate community-led built environment projects that have transformed their locality, with the winning and commended entries were announced at a ceremony at The Trades Hall, Glasgow on 13th March.<\/h3>\n<\/p>\n
The Scottish Civic Trust writes:<\/p>\n
The winner of the My Place Awards 2024 Community-led Project category is The Corner, Darvel in East Ayrshire.<\/p>\n
Local volunteers from Darvel Area Regeneration Team (DART) have converted the formerly abandoned site of the Darvel Industrial Cooperative Society into a new gathering place for the community.<\/p>\n
After embarking on a community-asset transfer, DART informed their plans by issuing questionnaires and hosting activity groups with the community. The build process was then entirely managed by a project team of local volunteers, who successfully secured the \u00a3500,000 required for the build.<\/p>\n
Today, the Corner has a sloping site with upper and lower terraces, with the transitional site becoming an amphitheatre. The lower terrace also contains the Canopy, an all-weather shelter.<\/p>\n
Since its opening, The Corner has become a popular venue for regular events and markets, as well as a place for people to gather and chat. In its first 6 months of operation, it has hosted 12 formal events involving over 200 local vendors and over 4,000 visitors. Events have included a Halloween Special, Christmas Fayre, as well as meetings of Brownies, Scouts, walkers and cyclists.<\/p>\n
Joe FitzPatrick MSP, Minister for Local Government Empowerment and Planning, said:\u201cThe shortlisted projects for the My Place Awards 2024 share a commitment to collaboration, inclusivity and empowering local people. It is fantastic to see examples of community-led regeneration from across the country. Everyone involved should be proud of their achievements.<\/p>\n
The Corner is an exciting project and worthy winner \u2013 transforming an abandoned site in Darvel and giving it renewed purpose as a community gathering space. A huge amount of work by a dedicated group of volunteers has ensured it will be a valuable local asset for all to enjoy and an inspiration to other projects.\u201d<\/p>\n
Gordon Murray, a member of the My Place Awards 2024 Judging Panel, said:\u201cThis year the My Place Awards jury shortlisted six projects from a long list of high-quality entries across the country. The Corner, Darvel scored top marks due to the degree to which it created a meaningful place that is both usable and memorable. The Corner is an impressive low-cost, high-impact project that has created a multi-purpose facility already much loved by the town. It is an exemplar for others \u2013 every town should have a Corner!\u201d<\/p>\n
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