Dynamic Dunure
Meeting between 2-4 pm Saturday, 5th April, Kennedy Hall.
Summary:
The proposal is to build a visitor and community centre costing
more than £3 Million.
Is a top-spec visitor centre really what the village needs? Would investing in the harbour and lighthouse benefit the village more? Should car parking be included in the project costs?
The organisers say of the meeting ‘We will happily answer questions and we will welcome any suggestions and recommendations that you might have.‘
You can see the proposed centre plans by clicking here.
Text of letter published 24th March by Dynamic Dunure:
Dynamic Dunure
Dunure & Fisherton
24th March 2025.
Dear neighbour,
We are getting in touch again, to share with you the latest developments in our journey. In 2018 we embarked on a colossal adventure – “Dunure, the jewel on the South Ayrshire Coast”. Already seven years in the planning, with a lot of hard work but also appreciation. Appreciation of what we have already achieved and ambitions that, together, we can bring to our seaside village.
To date Dynamic Dunure have secured funding for additional benches in Kennedy Park, a marquee, store, outdoor gym equipment, a boat store, a safety boat, events, an improved playpark and hall. Other assets in progress are decorative lighting of the Castle, an access bridge with view point. To improve accessibility between Kennedy Park and the Harbour. But what we are really looking forward to is increasing the provision of facilities in our village. In the past, we’ve lost the village store, we know that the church will also close at some point and we also know that the Kennedy Hall is no longer fit for purpose, with a lease which is coming to term. The unique and “at risk” lighthouse needs urgent repair. Although aggrieved by the decline of services and facilities, we are trying to invest in some future planning. We would like you to be part of this journey and share our vision and ambitions.
The Helm – a new multi-purpose facility (The Helm @ Dunure) will bring together interpretation, meeting, function and activity space. It will orientate visitors, provide a heritage focused community hub and a home for volunteers, skills training, employment programmes and heritage activity. It is a partnership project; community led by Dynamic Dunure with significant secured match funding of £2.5 million from South Ayrshire Council for The Helm.
A warm reflective, accessible and inviting space where our communities can come together for yoga classes; book club sessions; cosy comers; knit and natter groups; friendship groups; parent and toddler sessions. A conscientious comer that, if needed would pop up as a food pantry to support residents whilst encouraging sustainability. An event space that can welcome a number of residents to enjoy ‘and celebrate important milestones with their families and friends – baby showers; weddings; birthday, retirement and anniversary parties; wakes and why not, bringing in the bells together at Hogmanay. A space where visitors can shelter from the Scottish weather, whilst still enjoying the view – one of our most important assets. A space which can be truly used for the benefit of the whole community, adding most needed facilities to our village. Perhaps also adding local employment and volunteering opportunities. Opportunities for growth, such as event organisers, local catering suppliers, floral designers, farm to fork makers, stargazing tutors – encouraging yearners to become earners within walking distance from home.
We are fortunate that we have people who believe in our communities. We have partners who are ready to invest in improving the health and wellbeing of our village and all the residents, But most importantly we need to know that this is something that would benefit you, a space that you would support, We will be holding an event on Saturday, Sth April 2025 from 2 – 4pm in Kennedy Hall and we would love to see you there. We will happily answer questions and we will welcome any suggestions and recommendations that you might have. If you cannot make it on the day, we’re happy to get your views in any way that is convenient to you.
You can share your views by sending us an email at dynamicdunure@gmail.com or speak to any member of Dynamic Dunure. Many thanks for your support, let’s all spring forward together.
Kindest Regards,
Dynamic Dunure Team.