Local charity breathes new life into a Grangemouth shopping precinct with support from Falkirk Council and INEOS Grangemouth
Two recently refurbished shop units in Charlotte Dundas Court Precinct are set to open as community hubs thanks to a successful partnership between Falkirk Council, INEOS Grangemouth and local charity Kersiebank Community Project (KCP).
This new venture will see KCP relocate from its existing premises in La Porte Precinct as it takes its next step in expanding the vital work it does in supporting members of the local community.
With assistance from both Falkirk Council and INEOS Grangemouth, KCP has developed a robust business plan to take on the lease of the two units under a Community Benefit Lease agreement. One unit in the precinct will provide a foodbank and a furniture re-use hub; the other will house a new community café and cookery school, which has been supported by the INEOS Grangemouth catering contractor, Aramark.
Councillor Paul Garner, Falkirk Council’s Depute Leader said:
This project is a great example of how we can work with community partners to deliver practical, local support in a more sustainable way.
“Kersiebank Community Project has been supporting the people of Grangemouth for many years and we’re proud to help them grow their impact through getting a community benefit lease in place for these new premises and funding towards the refurbishment works secured through our commercial property portfolio.
“The new location will allow KCP to expand its services at a time when demand continues to grow, helping meet local needs while encouraging community connections and resilience.
KCP is a locally managed charity, supported by a strong team of volunteers contributing over 360 hours per week. Their new hubs will improve accessibility for users and bring new life to the shopping centre.
INEOS Grangemouth has a long history of supporting Kersiebank Community Project via regular employee donations to their Foodbank, Christmas Toy Appeal and in-kind support. Employees have been sharing their knowledge and experience with the Kersiebank Community Project to help develop and deliver the business plan that will ensure they have a strong foundation to build upon.
Bindi Green, Chairperson, Kersiebank Community Project, said:
This is a significant step forward in the evolution of the charity as we seek to grow our community support activities.
“We are all very excited at the move to the new premises. We have been working hard with partners, Falkirk Council and INEOS Grangemouth, to realise this next step in the evolution of the charity and in growing the vital support we offer to those members of the community who seek our help.
The occupation of vacant units by the KCP supports Falkirk Council’s goal of building stronger and healthier communities, while reducing holding costs and making better use of local assets. Community consultation showed widespread support and the facilities are expected to open shortly.