9CC Group funding agreed for outdoor activity centre and 40 apprenticeships
Priority projects to help build a lasting legacy for Cumnock and Doon Valley were unveiled at the inaugural 9CC Group conference supported by HRH King Charles and the UK Energy Minister Michael Shanks MP.
The 9CC chief operating officer, Stephen McCarron, told delegates at the event in Cumnock that the group would be investing in two major strategic projects, with many others under active consideration.
He said: “I’m delighted to announce that the 9CC Group trustees have approved the funding and enablement of an Outdoor Activity and Recreation Centre as well as funding for up to 40 new and additional apprenticeships.
“This is about ambition and vision and is aligned with our key strategic themes agreed following extensive consultation:
· An active community
· An entrepreneurial community
· A connected community
· A net zero community and
· Children and Young People
“The funding follows the second phase of extensive consultation with residents and stakeholders to investigate a short list of viable projects and present a clear direction of travel that will have multiple benefits to all communities within Cumnock and Doon Valley and beyond.”
The plans for a Destination” Visitors’ Centre/ Hub and Recreation Zone include:
• A welcome centre with café and public facilities including toilets and showers;
• A dedicated bike and e-bike rental facility to allow access to the broader site;
• Community space for local groups or organisations;
• Ample car parking;
• Access with picnic and play areas;
• Water sports facilities for swimmers, canoeists and paddleboarders.
Mr McCarron described it as our “blue-chip” Strategic Project and said various locations were being explored including Coyle Water, Skares and Minnivey.
The second project will see investment in young people to create better quality skilled employment opportunities within our area. The 9CC Group will invest in up to 40 new and additional apprenticeships over the next 2 years in partnership with EGGER and the RAD Group.
Mr McCarron stressed: “These new apprenticeship opportunities will be exclusively for our young people currently staying in our Cumnock & Doon Valley communities. Recruitment events will be happening imminently.”
“Funding local employment and creating career opportunities for our young people is just one part of our strategic vision to deliver a lasting legacy for our communities and ensure that our area is one where people want to live, work and play.”
More than 100 delegates attended the conference at the Dumfries Arms to discuss best practice for building community wealth through strategic collaboration.
The 9CC Group chair Alex Baird said: “From the outset, the 9CC has had a powerful vision to unite our communities, invest in their future and create a lasting legacy.
“Our model is widely seen as delivering best practice for the management of wind farm benefits for the greater good of all our communities and our collective vision, values, governance and collaborative approach has been a huge factor in the decisions taken by developers to trust us to administer and distribute community benefit.”
The 9CC Group is a charitable organisation managing and distributing community benefit for all nine communities of Auchinleck; Cumnock; Netherthird; Cronberry, Logan & Lugar; New Cumnock; Dalmellington; Patna; Drongan, Rankinston & Stair; and Ochiltree & Skares.
For more information
Please refer to the 9CCG website
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