Sport is the key to securing cash to build a £2 million community centre in Monifieth, according to the chairwoman of a steering group set up to drive the project forward.
A bid for a Big Lottery grant was rejected by charity chiefs, forcing Monifieth Community Resource Group (MCRG) to come up with alternative ways to finance the project.
Chairwoman Jean Lee believes linking up the people of Monifieth’s love of sport with the need for a new facility could be the answer.
She said: “The Lottery bid rejection forced us to look again at our priorities and we now embrace a strong sports aspect to our project as well as the general community facilities we have always sought.
“In Monifieth we have women’s and men’s football, tennis, bowling and golf enthusiasts with nowhere to train indoors.
“A cycle path will pass our door and the kite surfers could do with some place to dry off and get some hot soup and coffee.
“We hope to provide facilities for them all. This means a redesign and a rethink of where we go for funding.”
Mrs Lee continued: “We are visiting sports and community centres to narrow down our preferred options.
“We are in contact with all existing sports groups and are investigating potential new ones especially activities for pre and school-age children. Funding options are being pursued.”
Angus Council has already committed £300,000 to the initiative, and MCRG has until March 31 to prove it can deliver. Until then, the group is using a temporary community cabin beside the town’s railway station.
Mrs Lee said: “As part of our determination to keep moving forward, and also to prove that there is a need for a community facility, we refurbished a derelict cabin in Union Street in 2012 and now operate it as The Cabin a mini community facility.
“The Cabin has been a huge success and bookings are very healthy, but it’s not what’s needed.
“We need a community facility that serves the needs of all parts of our community in Monifieth a meeting place, a place where social events are held and where the health and wellbeing of our residents is enhanced.”
Mrs Lee has urged people in Monifieth to take ownership of the campaign for a community centre.
She said: “To get this project to the final stages we need the support of everyone in Monifieth.
“We need people to come forward and help to take part in this mammoth challenge.”
She added: “We have first option on a beautiful site and the determination to push till we have our building of choice on it.”
“Please support fundraising events that we organise and spread the word that Monifieth will definitely get its own community centre because we’ll put in the effort and we’re worth it.
“Be part of the biggest thing to happen in Monifieth for a generation, for generations to come.”
To find out more about the project email jean.lee@talktalk.net or telephone 07702 621818.k