BARR PARISH ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY (PART 1) Identifying the Need, Setting the Objectives & Testing the Appetite for Change
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BARR PARISH ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY (PART 1) Identifying the Need, Setting the Objectives & Testing the Appetite for Change A study of the issues and opportunities facing the conservation village of Barr, South Ayrshire. This study was commissioned by Barr Parish Development Company, funded by South Ayrshire Council Ambition Fund and developed by Bidworks Limited. Kelly Morris [email protected] BPDC Barr Parish Economic Development Strategy FDV1 CONTENTS Background ................................................................................................................................................. 3 SCOPE .......................................................................................................................................................... 4 Overview of Approach ........................................................................................................................ 4 Phase 1 – desk top study ......................................................................................................................... 6 Beautiful Barr ......................................................................................................................................... 6 Getting There ........................................................................................................................................ 6 Living in Barr .......................................................................................................................................... 7 Health & Safety ...................................................................................................................................... 7 Community Groups .............................................................................................................................. 7 Local Amenities ..................................................................................................................................... 8 Sports and Recreation .......................................................................................................................... 9 Local Attractions ................................................................................................................................. 10 Accommodation .................................................................................................................................. 11 Exploring The area .............................................................................................................................. 11 PHASE 1 PUBLIC CONSULTATION ................................................................................................ 15 Barr Parish Consultation ................................................................................................................... 15 Barr Parish Consultation Results ..................................................................................................... 16 Youth Consultation ............................................................................................................................ 20 Regional Consultation ........................................................................................................................ 21 Girvan .............................................................................................................................................. 22 Maybole .......................................................................................................................................... 24 Combined Regional Survey Data ..................................................................................................... 26 phase 2 - Identify Needs & Set objectives .......................................................................................... 28 Recurring themes ................................................................................................................................ 28 perceived Risks .................................................................................................................................... 29 stakholder engagement ...................................................................................................................... 29 Group Task 1 – Addressing the Balance ......................................................................... 30 Group Task 2 – Accessibility & Connectivity ............................................................... 31 Group Task 3 – Dinmurchie ................................................................................................. 32 Group Task 4 – Groups & Communication .................................................................. 33 1 BPDC Barr Parish Economic Development Strategy FDV1 analysis of the issues and opportunities = the needs .................................................................. 34 Too Many Groups .......................................................................................................................... 34 Projects & Funding.......................................................................................................................... 35 Generation Gap .............................................................................................................................. 35 Communication ............................................................................................................................... 36 Maintain Existing ............................................................................................................................. 36 Increasing Visitors & Tourists / Marketing ................................................................................ 37 Accessibility (Roads/Transport/Comms) ................................................................................... 38 Sustainability/Attractions............................................................................................................... 40 Objective Setting ................................................................................................................................. 42 Objective 1 – Collaborative Working Groups ............................................................. 42 Objective 2 – Maintain & Improve Existing ................................................................... 42 Objective 3 – Increase Visitors & Tourists .................................................................... 42 Objective 4 – Reduce Accessibility & Communication Barriers ......................... 42 Objective 5 – Sustainable Economic Development .................................................. 42 Phase 3 – Identify suggestions & develop options ............................................................................ 43 The Initial Long List ............................................................................................................................ 43 Phase 4 – Packaging & Appraising Options ........................................................................................ 46 OPTIONS 1-4: FEATURES AND BENEFITS ................................................................................ 47 phase 5 - Recommendations & Next Steps ....................................................................................... 55 Next Steps ............................................................................................................................................ 56 2 BPDC Barr Parish Economic Development Strategy FDV1 BACKGROUND Barr Village in rural South Ayrshire, was once a thriving rural community. The beautiful landscapes, abundance of wildlife, and the choice of amenities including Barr Stores, Public Houses, the Market Garden and locally renowned ‘Barr Teas’, drew high volumes of residents, visitors and tourists – to the otherwise peaceful town. Various community groups organised a packed schedule of events including the well-attended gala day, keeping locals and visitors entertained all year round. Like many rural communities, Barr has suffered a reduction in visitor and tourist numbers as well as a decrease in available job, training and development opportunities. Following changes in the socio-economic landscape, there is no longer a market garden, the last public house earlier this year (2016) and the future of Barr Stores is currently uncertain. Following these changes, many locals viewed Dinmurchie Farmhouse and Buildings as an opportunity for positive change. In 2013 the Barr Parish Development Company established a Steering Group with a view to purchase Dinmurchie Farm and grounds for the purpose of developing a sustainable hub for enterprise, training, tourism and social activities. Following several consultations with BPDC members and non-members, including information days, and collation of suggestions, a great deal of support was evident for Dinmurchie Farm to be developed into a centre for excellence, with the over-riding view that acquiring the farm would provide public ownership for the benefit of all. A ballot was held, asking the question ‘Are you in favour of the FCS sale of Dinmurchie Farm to the local community? Of a possible 258 responses, 131 were in favour, 19 not in favour, 17 submitted too late, 2 spoiled (forgot to tick). Letters of support were also received from the Head Teacher of Barr Primary School, Chairman of the Barr Community Association, and local residents running existing businesses and with potential business use