Have Your Say in Naming the New Transformed Dumfries High Street Building
Dumfries townsfolk are being encouraged to cast their vote to rename a newly revamped building on the High Street.
The former Baker’s Oven at 135-139 High Street is to be redeveloped into enterprise spaces and new flats by Midsteeple Quarter.
This is the first project of its kind in living history and is scheduled to be finished early summer.
By having locals rename the site, it’s hoped it will act as a rebirth of the high street, driven by community values.
The public have until the end of January to place their votes and on the 22nd of February, a celebratory event will be held, where the announcement of the new name will be made, and school pupils will unveil new artwork they’ve created as well.
There are three options to choose from and they each individually represent something significant with the town: The Standard; The Rise; and the Gaitherin’ Place.
Kathryn Hill, Midsteeple Quarter’s Community Engagement Activator, believes there’s a strong sense of hope surrounding what the creation of the new development will achieve:
“The people of Dumfries own this site through our community benefit society. And their ambition is clear: This should be the beginning of a bright new era for our town centre, while celebrating our proud past.”
The long-term goal is to turn buildings that are currently in the community’s ownership into a modern vibrant area throughout the town centre that will attract and boost new residents, visitors and the local economy.
Hill is encouraging everyone to have their say in this life changing development:
“Our board wants to ensure that is reflected in the name of this special new building, which will be like nothing else we have locally."