Peeblesshire News | News | Hopes still high for new function hall in Newlands

Thursday, 4th December, 2008

Published: Friday, 18th January, 2008 10:40

Hopes still high for new function hall in Newlands

By David Knox

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A BOLD bid to create a community hub in rural Peeblesshire has hit a stumbling block.

But leaders remain confident they can deliver a £2 million state-of-the-art function hall and new school facilities for Newlands.

A Trust was created just over three years ago when Scottish Borders Council threatened to close the classrooms and merge the 80-pupil school with West Linton Primary.

Since its formation Newlands Community Trust has campaigned, fundraised and built up a solid business case for not only the retention of their classrooms but also to turn the school into a meeting place for the nearby residents.

A crucial £1 million bid was submitted to the Big Lottery Fund towards the end of last year – with a decision expected this month.

But that decision has been deferred until March to give the Trust an opportunity to iron out a couple of problems.

And a crunch meeting will take place on Monday with members of Scottish Borders Council.

Major John Currie, secretary of Newlands Community Trust, told the Peeblesshire News: “In many ways this is good news as they have not just thrown out our application. We have encountered a minor problem about charitable status and a slightly more serious problem over ownership of the building.

“We believe we will have charitable status within the next 21 days and we are holding a meeting with Scottish Borders Council next week about ownership.

“The council has been extremely supportive of our vision ever since we formed and we are confident of finding a resolution.”

The Trust had planned to build a new hall onto the rear of Newlands Primary School which would operate on a 99-year lease.

But officials at the Big Lottery Fund would prefer outright ownership of the building.

Council leader David Parker, along with local representatives Neil Calvert and Catriona Bhatia will meet with the Trust.

Mr Parker told us: “If there are problems that can be overcome to help the application then we will certainly do our best to help.”

It is believed that around 1,000 people live in the Newlands catchment area – and over 130 of them have already signed up to become members of the Trust.

Many groups including local charities, fitness and arts groups, the WRI and horticulture societies have already expressed an interest in using the new hall.

And it would also double up as the school’s gym hall – freeing up a school room to be used as a class.

Councillor Catriona Bhatia said: “Scottish Borders Council has been very supportive of what the Trust is trying to achieve. I hope that we can continue to help them go forward.”

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