West Kilbride’s Kirktonhall building could be regenerating into a futuristic ‘White Space Centre’ as it bids to become a digital media centre.

With ambitions to become a unique development renowned around the world, the scale of the proposals have been revealed in a new document by the Creative Life International Society, on behalf of the Kirktonhall Creative Media Group.

The draft proposal is to regenerate Kirktonhall - a grade B listed building that stands in the centre of the village of West Kilbride - into a ‘White Space Centre’.

It is proposed that the White Space Centre would act as an embracing focal point, as an extension to the Community Council, Community Initiative, Community Centre, West Kilbride Village Hall and Parish Church.

The project seeks involvement, participation and support from the many creative individuals and groups that exist in West Kilbride to help promote themselves and the local area.

It is suggested in the brief that the following strands could benefit from forming the core support membership :- Civic Society. Museum, Theatre, Dance, Music, Camera, Creative Writing, and film-making, Festival Association and Gala group.

The brief states that the development would be an ‘easily accessible walk-in white space’ to attract local residents, children, youths and visitors to create, develop and participate in various digital productions that reflects the past history, the present concerns and future ambitions of the local community.

Events will be live streamed on the web through the internet social media channels using the most up to date studio in a box digital technology to produce micro films under the masterplan.

The brief states ambitiously: “It will promote West Kilbride and North Ayrshire and Scotland around the world.

“There will be wipe down white wall space which can be used to draw and write on to encourage users to create and develop their ideas.” The White Space Centre will have the second and third floor as an apartment to be used by invited visiting ‘mentor directors’ who will act as in-residence hosts supported by local creative groups and partners to develop the micro film productions.

The existing garden will be developed into a meditation garden to ‘encourage reflection and calmness’.

It is proposed that the White Space Centre is operated through a steering group with an executive management committee made up from a representative from each participating group.

It could function through the auspices of one of the existing organisations or with a new legal structure of its own as a joint foundation or trust with charitable status.

The live in visiting ‘directors’ in residence will also help to ensure a physical presence within the building.

It is proposed that the first phase of re-development of the building and gardens be undertaken as a community self-build skills training project linked to the new apprenticeship schemes, and community development programmes that could see involvement with colleges or universities based in the west of Scotland. Access to the White Space Centre outside of the daily opening hours will be available to its membership by the use of a futuristic biometric identification entry system, with 24/7 hi-definition CCTV.

Funding behind the visionary proposals would come from various means, including a Stage 1 Lottery plan which will be put forward in November.

* Free digital training classes are currently taking place at the Kirktonhall Creative Media Group’s shop at 6 Ritchie Street, including introducing older people to engage in technology, Google workshops for small and start-up businesses, and using Google effectively. For more details, phone 01294 537200.