In the middle of June 2011 we received the encouraging news that we had got through Stage 1 of our application to the Big Lottery's Growing Community Assets fund for a Sustainable Community Hub, connected to our proposed community hydro scheme.  The Hub would have a shop and a cafe which would double as community space.  This means that, in principal, the Big Lottery likes our idea - but there is a lot more work to be done. 

They have invited us to apply for funding to develop our ideas and we have until 17th August to do so.  We hear within 4 weeks if we have been successful.  If successul, we will appoint specialists to consult the community on design and siting of the Hub, get planning permission, establish costs, and conduct a business study.  This will finalise all the costs, and provide evidence that the project is feasible and sustainable, so that we are ready to submit a Stage 2 application - within 12 months of receiving the development funding.

If we are successful with our Stage 2 application, we will be able to build our Sustainable Community Hub!