Tuesday March 26th 2019
The community-led and owned organisation One Dalkeith has taken over the former Pick ‘n Save, latterly a kitchen Bathroom showroom, in Eskdaill Court, Dalkeith.
The development trust which combines community-led action with an enterprising approach was initially set up to enhance the provision of community facilities in Dalkeith. The community said they wanted “free or low cost town centre community facilities”.
One Dalkeith has taken on the building lease for six months until the end of July 2019 with the option to extend it if the community want the building to stay as a community facility.
In the last fortnight the community has come forward to clean, wash, wipe and scrub the building.
The extensive premises can be used for whatever the community want and all are invited to share ideas and skills to make the place an energising space for people in Dalkeith.
If it is to be a community-run and managed amenity then One Dalkeith would need to rent out space in order to cover the costs of a free-to-use or low cost community section.
Pop-up community events and occasions are likely to be staged in the building as it provides a great location and space in the large round hall at the back, complemented by some smaller community spaces such as a meeting room.
There will also need to be some income generating lettable spaces, but One Dalkeith are keen that these uses should complement to the overall aesthetic and vibe. They could therefore include art studios/workshops and offices for other community organisations.
One idea that’s gaining some traction is co-working or hot-desking, which could be combined with break-out areas for good quality coffee.
One Dalkeith is hoping to kick off the Pop-up events with its Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Wednesday 8th May.
So if you have an idea as to how the building can be utilised for the benefit of the community or if you want to influence what sort of organisations, people and businesses use the building then contact communityfacilities@onedalkeith.info
In the meantime there are lot of immediate practical things to do
– cleaning, painting, fixing things
– donating old but serviceable furniture
– serving tea and coffee
– giving information to the public
– and anything else you can think off
To find out more or make offers of time or items then email Evelyn on communityfacilities@onedalkeith.info.
To find out more about One Dalkeith then visit its website at onedalkeith.wildapricot.org
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