The working group set up by Cupar Development Trust to look at future use of the town’s former Argos store has taken “the next step” on the project’s journey, going ahead with a building survey and valuation of the site on Ferguson Square.

Trust Chair, Tony Miklinski, explains: “We have been researching and sourcing funding support to enable us to move forward.” He adds: “Thanks partly to the north-east Fife Community Budget, and the support of Cupar Councillors, we instructed Graham + Sibbald Surveyors.” The property consultants visited the Cupar Food Station site this week, undertaking a survey to assess the condition and value of the site.

The working group has met twice this year – and is exploring potential uses. Tony adds: “Thanks to group member, Viv Collie, a number of us visited an extraordinary social enterprise project in Perth.” Tony says: “As well as creating food and drinks for sale and distribution to vulnerable people, Giraffe provide valuable work experience and training to those facing barriers to mainstream opportunities – barriers such as autism, learning disabilities and mental ill health. It was an inspirational visit and we are very grateful to the Giraffe team for hosting us.”

Beyond the survey and valuation, if the results of both enable the Trust to move forward, the next step will be the instruction of consultants.

Their task will be to take information from the working group that has been collated over the last six months and to research and produce a business case study which the Trust can use to explore funding opportunities.

Tony concludes: “Each member of the working group is helping us to tackle a series of tasks – all on a voluntary basis. This work continues apace. We are lucky to have such a knowledgeable and dedicated team behind us. Their enthusiasm is infectious.”

Need more?

You can discover more on the project, its origins and the journey over the last two-and-a-half years that has led to the current position by clicking on the image below to read the Blog feature published just before Christmas 2024.

 

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