West Kilbride Craft and Design Initiative – Creating Scotland’s first craft and design town
Key contact: Maggie M. Broadley
Address: Craft Town Scotland, The Gallery, 75/77 Main Street, West Kilbride, North Ayrshire, KA23 9AP
Telephone: 01294 829 179
Email: West Kilbride Craft and Design Initiative
Web address: www.westkilbride.org.uk/
In a nutshell
We wanted to address the economic and social issues that our town faced. We did this by creating Scotland’s first craft and design town. Our not for profit social enterprise and registered charity is an outstanding example of what a small community can do for itself. By introducing a themed approach, we have managed to transform our town and how it is regarded by our own residents and travellers from afar.
The issues addressed
We decided to create a craft and design town because we faced:
• economic problems - with higher than average unemployment levels due to the loss of large-scale manufacturing businesses
• the loss of many traditional retail outlets - in part due to changes in consumer buying behaviour and the rise of retail parks and big supermarkets
• problems with empty and ill kept shops in the town's small retail centre . There was a lack of passing trade which resulted in a poor image, a lack of services and poor civic pride in the area amongst residents
• increased levels of vandalism and anti-social behaviour
Enthusiasm for the future of the community was at an all time low!
The approach to the issues
Our community was shocked when a local girl was murdered. Because of this, a public meeting was called by the town’s local Councillor to address the issues that the town faced. We started by looking closely at our town’s assets. And as the return of traditional retailing was unlikely and tourism was becoming a key regional industry, we decided to develop a specialised theme – to attract visitors to our town.
The creation of a craft and design town would be the first of its kind.
We wanted to create an environment that would:
• attract top quality producers into studios
• encourage set up of other small businesses
• enhance the visual townscape and surrounding environment
• increase community access to leisure and cultural activities
• encourage and support local charitable enterprises.
Setting up the work
The public meeting in 1998 brought together volunteers who formed the West Kilbride Community Initiative Ltd to drive the craft and design town concept forward.
Because we didn’t qualify for community regeneration funding we looked for alternative funding. We approached the Moffat Charitable Trust who agreed to fund our work by purchasing and refurbishing two studios for us to use.
To generate income, we bought a local church from which we established a second-hand furniture shop. In 2002 Scottish Enterprise Ayrshire agreed to match funding that allowed us to buy more studios, employ a Development Officer and pay for promotion and marketing.
The initiative is managed by volunteer Directors and is a registered charity.
Evidence of success
Through our work, we have managed to change the perception of West Kilbride. This has resulted in, for example:
• nine new businesses being set up – directly creating 14 jobs
• fewer vacant properties – with only a couple of these not scheduled for redevelopment
• the building of over 300 new houses – and new residents have been attracted to the town as a direct result of our work
• more projects being set up – for example the Environmental Group who have transformed the town with hanging baskets, gardens and walkways
• winning the national Enterprising Britain 2006 and the “Place” category in the SURF (2006) awards
• winning the Enterprising Britain (2006) award because of the way we have revitalised the centre and attracted visitors.
One great thing – Our people
A vital factor in the success of this initiative has been the strong f team spirit and local involvement surrounding our work. From a passionate and focused councillor to the volunteers (we now have 100 volunteers!), volunteer Directors and our professional crafters – their dedication, time and determination has kept us going.
The teams hard work and enthusiasm, and the involvement of residents during the planning and development process has not only resulted in physical regeneration, but has had positive impacts on pride of place and people being responsible for their surroundings.
Lessons learnt
• A good starting point is to make a realistic appraisal of the work that has to be done. Take a close look at the assets of the area and how they can be used to an advantage.
• It is better to get written confirmation of funding offers – this will help you plan more accurately.
• If public funding becomes a difficulty, try to look for alternative funding elsewhere – there is always a way.
• Carrying out a complimentary community project can maintain morale and take the regeneration work further- especially during an initiative that can take a while to be set up. Our Environmental Group was set up this way when we were waiting for funding for our main work.
