Published: Thursday, 28th January, 2010 3:36pm

Millport to have Business Centre

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Mr Alex Neil MSP, Minister for Housing and Communities, has presented a cheque for £379,000 to the Cumbrae Community Development Company.

This Town Centre Regeneration Fund grant will pay for the refurbishment of Millport's Garrison Lodge House to form the new Cumbrae Business Centre and the completion of the courtyard to create an Arts and Crafts space.

The Minister met representatives of the local business community and business organisations during his visit to the island last week.

The new Business Centre will create a meeting space for potential investors, businesses and other community groups.

A small number of 'hot desks' meeting rooms and offices will allow new companies starting up to gain access to high quality communications systems, administrative support and business advice and support through Business Gateway.

In addition, the active voluntary organisations on the island will have access to the same facilities as well as professional projects and funding advice through the recently advertised Highlands and Islands Local Development Officer who will be based there.

The small Arts and Crafts space afforded by the completion of the courtyard will complete restoration of Garrison House itself. This space will allow for a series of exhibitions as well as arts and crafts classes, adding to Cumbrae's tourism product and the Garrison's strength as a tourism attraction.