Woodburn Community Hub Officially Unveiled in Renaming Ceremony
The MARC Building in Woodburn has been formally renamed Woodburn Community Hub in a special ribbon cutting ceremony on Monday 21 October at the site on 10 Woodburn Road.
New Identity
The change in name marks a significant step in providing the council-owned building an identity that is recognised locally and resonates with the community.
Ribbon Cutting
Cllr Colin Cassidy, Depute Leader of Midlothian Council cut the ribbon at the renaming ceremony and was joined by Cllr Margot Russell, who allocated a portion of her elected member’s environmental fund towards the new sign and noticeboard for the hub.
Cllr Margot Russell and Cllr Colin Cassidy
Funding support for renovations
Kier Construction’s donation to the hub helped towards the internal redecoration of the building, plus the installation of a new heater and oven. Reiach and Hall Architects kindly donated a dishwasher to the project as well.
Community Focused
Following the renaming ceremony, residents and local stakeholders were invited inside to find out more about the activities provided at the hub and to have their say on future events they would like to see at the building.
Community stakeholders, volunteers and residents celebrating the renaming of Woodburn Community Hub
SCIO status
Communities, Lifelong Learning & Employability (CLLE), who currently manage the site, and Midlothian Voluntary Action (MVA) are supporting a group of community members to set up a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation (SCIO), with a view to this SCIO entering into a lease of the community hub and developing the building further for the benefit of the community.
Community Led Approach
It is envisioned that the new SCIO will work in partnership with the council to secure funding to redevelop the community hub and ensure that it meets the long-terms needs of the local community, with plans to increase the use of the building and maximise the spaces.
Exciting Future
Cllr Colin Cassidy said “I’m delighted to celebrate the official renaming of Woodburn Community Hub, which marks the first step of many towards a new exciting future for this site.
“This is a really positive development for the local community, but it would not be possible without the invaluable support of CLLE and the various local groups who are based at the hub, such as Central Dalkeith and Woodburn Pantry, Grassy Riggs, Bill Russell Woodburn Youth Club and Art Club.
“I would also like to thank Kier Construction and Reiach and Hall Architects for their helpful donations to this project.”