Grant funding for Irvine & Dreghorn’s community upgrade project

Irvine & Dreghorn Brass is celebrating the receipt of grant funding to help it transform a newly-acquired band hall into a community asset once again.

The band has been awarded £10,712 by the SUEZ Communities Trust for its Dunlop Memorial Halls community upgrade project.

IDB is a registered charity providing ‘access to all’ community brass banding based in North Ayrshire, comprising senior and children's bands which take part in numerous concerts and community events throughout the year.

The band purchased the building from North Ayrshire Council via the Community Asset Transfer scheme in October 2020 to create a community music centre.

The building was previously used by North Ayrshire Council as office space. Prior to that it was a community hall in its own right.

The funding will help bring the premises back into community use again and ensure the building is in the best possible condition when it is fully operational as a music centre. The grant money has been put to good use by IDB who have installed a new energy efficient heating system, accessible toilets and added other general and safety improvements throughout the building to ensure it is ready to welcome the community.

James McGoldrick, vice-chairman of Irvine & Dreghorn Brass said: “We are delighted to be able to work with the SUEZ Communities Trust on this project and we are incredibly grateful for the support and funding that has been provided. The improvement works will make a lasting and positive impact on a building that is not only an iconic memorial property in the heart of the Irvine and Dreghorn communities but also a developing and growing establishment that aims to provide music entertainment and education to the local people for years to come.”

Marek Gordon, chairman of SUEZ Communities Trust, added: “We provide funding awards through the Scottish Landfill Communities Fund. We were delighted to be able to offer this funding to Irvine & Dreghorn Brass.”