Sanquhar asset transfer could be signed and sealed next week

The empty garages at Queensberry Square could finally be transformed and put to good use in the community after many years of lying derelict.

Councillors sitting on the Nithsdale area committee have already given the thumbs up to Sanquhar Enterprise Company being handed the keys in a community asset transfer deal with Dumfries and Galloway Council.

Now, at the final hurdle, elected members sitting on the council’s finances, procurement and transformation committee are being asked to rubber stamp a £1 token fee handover.

While the garages are valued at £18,000, there has been no other interest in them from potential buyers.

Dumfries and Galloway councillors will be asked to approve the asset transfer of the garages for a token payment of £1. (Image: Sanquhar Enterprise Company)

Sanquhar Enterprise Company (SEC), a community group and registered Scottish charity, has also been working with officers at Dumfries and Galloway Council on a transfer of the garages for the benefit of the community.

The transformation of the garages was first identified as a “priority” in the 2015-2020 local community action plan.

The group comprises around 50 residents living in Sanquhar and Upper Nithsdale.

In April last year, the members hosted an evening event at A’ the Airts Community Arts Centre to discuss what could be done about empty buildings in Sanquhar.

The event was well attended by people living and working in Sanquhar, and everyone who took part agreed that Queensberry Garages should be redeveloped to support local groups and businesses.

The enterprise company identified a local need for storage units for community groups and local businesses, and group leaders stated in the business plan that they intend to refurbish the garages and bring them back into use for this purpose.

The following month, an online survey was launched to gauge views about potential building projects in the town, and 87 percent of respondents agreed that Sanquhar Enterprise Company should redevelop the garages at Queensberry Square.

The asset transfer bid will go before Dumfries and Galloway councillors on June 18. (Image: Sanquhar Enterprise Company)
The group’s business plan reads: “If Sanquhar Enterprise Company can acquire the old garages, then we propose to repair the garages and bring them back into use as storage units for community groups and businesses.

“Sanquhar Enterprise Company propose to seek the support of Upper Nithsdale Community Trust, who are a grant awarding charity distributing Wind Farm Community Benefit Funds.

“We are aware of other national and regional funders and will also consider grant applications to these organisations.

“As it is our intention to redevelop the old garages for community use, we would hope that local groups and organisations would support us in our fundraising efforts.”

The committee will consider the transfer at a meeting on Tuesday, June 18.