Old Town Development Trust Meeting 26th August 2009 7.30pm
Invitation to the 5th Meeting on setting up an Old Town Development Trust
Wednesday 26th August 7.30 – 9pm.
Blackfriars Community Rooms, Coinyie-House Close, Edinburgh EH1 1NL
Last year SOOT carried out The Canongate Project, 6 weeks of community consultation and action research, funded by Scottish Communities. You can find the report and findings on our website http://www.eh8.org.uk/
During the project Wendy Reid of Development Trusts Association Scotland, presented two workshops about how communities can take control of their assets and be involved in community development. Wendy was invited back in April this year to explain more about setting up such a trust in the Old Town. http://www.dtascot.org.uk/
When we launched our report on the project in February this year, at the Scottish Storytelling Centre, Pauline Gallacher from the Neilston Development Trust gave a presentation on the work they have been doing in Renfrewshire. http://www.neilstontrust.co.uk/index.php
At our AGM on the 20th May this year we agreed the following motion -
“Save Our Old Town (SOOT) supports the setting up of a Old Town Development Trust. SOOT will be pro-actively contacting other groups, organisations and individuals in the Old Town to start discussions. SOOT will host a meeting for mid-June to facilitate this discussion. Over the summer there can be constructive discussions about an Old Town Development Trust. If there is a feeling and commitment to set up a development trust there will be a meeting in the Autumn to set up the Trust.”
There are many buildings that are empty, under used or in disrepair, there is a dire need for housing, particularly family sized. Public events happen in the area, but often the people of the Old Town are not consulted or even considered. We are proud of the Old Town and appreciate it qualities but are also very aware that it could be improved upon, but without the need for garish new developments and demolitions and can see that it is stewardship in hand with community led incremental small developments that is sorely needed. This is where a development trust or trusts can be helpful.
“Development trusts offer a fresh approach to community regeneration. Independent and under community control, these organisations draw together the energy, commitment and creativity of local people to tackle local issues. Through enterprise and the ownership of local assets, development trusts address the economic, social, cultural and environmental needs of their communities.” - Development Trusts Association Scotland
