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“Following my receipt of official written
confirmation from both the Heritage Lottery Fund and North Ayrshire Council
that the project had received outline approval for almost £3million
this week, I pressed for HIE to respond with an increase in their contribution.
I am now very confident following their response, that Argyll and the Islands
Enterprise (AIE) will provide substantial additional support for the revised
redevelopment project” said Mr Wilson.
“AIE had previously agreed to join
the funding package but the current project has a higher cost and there
is now a requirement for greater expenditure from the funding partners.
.AIE can close that funding gap and make the project a reality and following
my meeting with HIE I feel sure they will ” said Mr Wilson.
“When their increased contribution
is added to that secured from the Scottish Executive and the European Union
and the funding earmarked by the HLF and the Council, then the sums can
add up and work can commence to turn the Garrison from a derelict eyesore
into an asset to the Island that the rest of the Clyde Coast will envy”
said Mr Wilson.
Local Labour MP Brian Wilson was also
upbeat at the news following his telephone conversation with HIE.
“It has taken a long time but I am
delighted that this campaign that I was first involved in making with the
people of Cumbrae some six years ago, is now going to be a reality.”
“It will be a splendid facility for
the Island “.
“I particularly congratulate the people
who first campaigned for the Garrison’s retention when it was first facing
closure and also the local group led by Jim Hamilton who have stuck with
their task” concluded Mr Wilson.
“It is now expected that AIE will
take a decision on their contribution within the next two to three weeks”
said Allan Wilson.
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