Millport Town Hall is on course for Spring opening

The charity that runs the historic facility will receive £30,000 from North Ayrshire Ventures Trust  over the next three years.

This grant scheme was developed to enable voluntary, community and social enterprises to explore new opportunities to help them grow in size and improve long-term sustainability.

The transformed venue – which has been undergoing extensive refurbishment and construction for over five years – is set to open its doors next spring, and the funding will go towards the salary of a venue manager.

Provost praises volunteers in visit to town hall project in March in Millport (Image: NAC)

The new appointment will manage the day-to-day running of the building which will provide a core space and social infrastructure for the community.

The project has already created eight temporary jobs to date and further employments of a more permanent nature are now planned.

The many socio-economic benefits for the whole island alongside employments have been primary targets from the project outset.

Councillor Alan Hill, Cabinet Member for Communities and Islands, said: “The work that has been carried out by the Millport Town Hall charity is absolutely incredible and to be so close to opening its doors is really exciting.

“This funding will be so important to them and help fund the post of a Venue Manager who will play an integral role as Millport Town Hall opens its doors.

“North Ayrshire Ventures Trust is there to help groups like them develop and the funding will help grow and develop their service better.

"We look forward to hearing from the charity and see the further progress they make over the coming weeks and months.”

A spokesperson for Millport Town Hall added: “Many thanks to the board of the NAVT for awarding this funding.

"We are absolutely delighted to have this funding in place to help us continue with the work we are doing for the island.”

To apply for NAVT funding, please email infonavt@north-ayrshire.gov.uk