Over £17 million boost for leisure and tourism in Galloway (Levelling Up Fund 2)
Dumfries and Galloway were awarded £17.7 million in the second round of the Levelling Up Fund. The funding will support a package of projects across Stranraer and Dalbeattie.
Stranraer Water Sports Hub
A new Water Sports Hub in Stranraer will provide a purpose-built water sports activity centre for the local community and tourists to enjoy. The Hub will offer much needed events, training, community activity and regatta facilities. Included in the new facility will be:
- bespoke water sports activity centre with ‘wet’ and ‘dry’ classroom spaces
- community meeting / events / social spaces
- instructor platform to facilitate training
- off-shore bathing stations
- racing lanes to facilitate training and events
- an ‘active beach’ area
- boat storage space with boat repair workshop
The project will support the regeneration of Stranraer and its waterfront.
The George, Stranraer
The George in Stranraer has fallen into disrepair in recent years. Regeneration of the now derelict site will allow it to become a key attraction in the area once again. The George will be transformed into a multi-purpose hub that includes:
- a bouldering facility
- a 30-bed bunk house
- art studios and exhibition space
- key space for makers and creatives
The new space will be used to deliver a variety of programmes for the local community and visitors in support of the regeneration of Stranraer and its waterfront.
Rocks and Wheels, Dalbeattie
The former Dalbeattie Primary school will be transformed into a community-led activity centre including:
- a climbing wall
- bouldering facility
- a pump track
- affordable bunkhouse accommodation for visitors, groups and educational use
The centre aims to unlock the economic potential held within the 7 Stanes Dalbeattie mountain biking trail. It will provide employment, skills development opportunities, and a key visitor attraction for the town.
Local impact
The group of projects will bring many benefits to the two towns, by:
- bringing redundant buildings back into use
- increasing visitor numbers
- bringing more employment opportunities
- Increasing opportunities to improve health and wellbeing through physical activity
Find out more about Levelling Up