We set about planning a new hall on Iona in 2012. Some of the main milestones are listed below.
Milestones:
Early 2012 – The committee secures funding from LEADER/Awards for All to commission consultants
Summer 2012 – WT architects commissioned and technical options appraisal, building survey and cost estimate work undertaken.
Summer 2012 – Community Enterprise and WT Architects undertake detailed community consultation
Late 2012 – Feasibility Study and Options Appraisal produced
Late 2012 – Technical options appraisal complete with preferred design option and QS estimate
Late 2012 – Interim Business Plan
2013 – Discussion with National Trust for Scotland about securing land
Late 2013/early 2014 – Investing in Ideas grant in place. Further technical work and update to interim business plan
Mid 2014 – Preferred option in further detail with more technical data gathered. WT have initial discussions with Argyll & Bute Council Planning Officers
Mid 2014 – VAT assessment undertaken
Mid 2014 – Legal structure work done on incorporation
Late 2014 – draft Mem&Arts appraised and commented upon by Andy Normansell of BIG and amendments to be incorporated
Late 2014 – NTS Directors indicate broad support for transfer/sale of land
Late 2014 – submitted Stage 1 bid to BIG Lottery Growing Community Assets funding stream
Late 2014 – confirmation via Ailsa Raeburn that HIE will fund land purchases IF completed before year end (did not transpire)
Early 2015 – BIG Lottery bid unsuccessful but have requested that we resubmit with amendments (Julia Holmes contact but GCA funding closes with a view to re-opening late 2015)
Mid 2015 – agreement from both landowners for purchase of the land we require, although NTS pursuing a part-purchase-part-lease agreement. Committee agree to keep pursuing a simpler solution.
Late 2015 – more guidance on new BIG Lottery stream received and start preparing for Scottish Land Fund application
Early 2016 – Meet with Eric McNally of Scottish Land Fund and consequently secured Stage 1 development funding
Mid 2016 – further meetings with NTS to discuss land purchase
Late 2016 – progressing various angles prior to Stage 2 Scottish Land Fund bid and BIG Lottery Community Assets bid
- Land
- Structure
- Charitable status
- Update plans and budgets
Early 2017 – secure Scottish Land Fund monies and Community Assets development funding
April 2017 – granted charitable status (SCIO) by OSCR
May 2017 – dissolve current committee and adopt Iona Village Hall Community Trust structure
June 2017 – further community/stakeholder consultation undertaken with revised plans
July 2017 – updated Strategic plan formed with new plans, costings and feedback incorporated
Early 2018 – application to the BIG Lottery Fund is successful
