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New Dornach Community Centre

Proposal code: THC-2026-06-146

To create a modern, accessible community hub in Dornoch that supports local residents, community groups, businesses, students, and visitors with flexible spaces for events and activities.

Here's a draft that addresses all five questions and stays within a typical 6,000-character limit:

1. What do you want to do?

Dornoch and District Community Association (DADCA) is seeking funding towards the development of a new purpose-built Community Centre at Dornoch South.

The funding will support the next stage of project delivery, including progressing the detailed design, securing planning and statutory approvals, undertaking procurement activities, completing pre-construction works, and contributing towards construction costs.

The new facility will replace the current Dornoch Social Club, a former school building dating from 1845 that has served as the town's primary community venue for over 45 years but is no longer fit for purpose. The new centre will provide a modern, accessible, energy-efficient and flexible facility capable of supporting a much wider range of community, cultural, educational and social activities.

Key features will include a 233sqm main hall with seating for up to 160 people, retractable seating and soundproof partitioning, a secondary meeting room, commercial-standard kitchen, improved storage, accessible facilities and outdoor event space.

2. Why is your project important for your community?

Dornoch is one of the few communities in Sutherland experiencing population growth, supported by new housing developments, a thriving tourism sector and significant commercial investment. However, community facilities have not kept pace with this growth.

The existing Social Club suffers from poor accessibility, limited parking, insufficient capacity, outdated facilities and high maintenance costs. Independent studies have concluded that refurbishment is not a viable long-term solution. The building currently operates at a financial deficit and requires significant annual investment simply to remain operational.

Community consultation undertaken over more than fifteen years has consistently demonstrated strong support for a new community centre. Most recently, a community ballot in March 2026 attracted 703 responses, with 85.7% voting in favour of the proposal.

The project aligns strongly with the Dornoch Area Place Plan by:

• Delivering a major community asset in the Dornoch South regeneration area.

• Supporting community wellbeing, inclusion and social connection.

• Creating opportunities for lifelong learning, recreation and cultural participation.

• Strengthening community resilience through community ownership and management.

• Supporting sustainable local development and place-making.

• Providing improved infrastructure that complements investment in housing, education, tourism and economic development.

The centre will become a focal point for community life and help ensure that local residents benefit from the area's continued growth and investment.

3. What positive impact will your project have?

The new Community Centre will generate significant social, economic and environmental benefits.

Expected outcomes include:

Community Outcomes

• Increased participation in community activities, clubs and events.

• Reduced social isolation and improved wellbeing.

• Greater opportunities for young people, families and older residents.

• Increased capacity for local groups to expand and develop new activities.

• Improved accessibility for people with disabilities and mobility challenges.

• Creation of a welcoming, safe and warm year-round community space.

Cultural and Educational Outcomes

• New opportunities for theatre, drama, music and cultural events.

• Improved facilities for community learning, training and education.

• Opportunities for partnerships with organisations such as UHI and regional arts providers.

Economic Outcomes

• Increased visitor spending through weddings, concerts, conferences and community events.

• Additional income generation supporting the long-term sustainability of the facility.

• Support for local businesses, caterers, performers and event organisers.

Environmental Outcomes

• Significant reductions in energy consumption and operating costs.

• Modern low-carbon design and improved energy efficiency.

• Reduced travel requirements as more activities can be delivered locally.

Overall, the project will create a sustainable community hub that enhances quality of life and supports the future growth of Dornoch and the surrounding area.

4. What key milestones have you achieved so far and what will your next steps be?

Key Milestones Achieved

Community Engagement and Support Evidenced

• Extensive community engagement undertaken in 2009, 2013, 2015, 2019, 2025 and 2026.

• Consistent evidence of strong public support for a new community centre.

• Community ballot completed in March 2026 with 85.7% support.

Project Plan / Feasibility / Business Case Created

• Comprehensive feasibility study completed in October 2025.

• Five-year business plan completed in April 2026.

• Funding strategy prepared.

• Detailed concept design developed by appointed architect.

Land and Site Secured

• Preferred site identified at Dornoch South on community-owned land.

• Agreement reached in principle for transfer of land into DADCA ownership.

Professional Team Appointed

• Architect appointed.

• Quantity surveyor appointed.

• Business planning and funding consultants appointed.

Quotes and Cost Estimates Obtained

• Fully costed concept design completed.

• Estimated construction cost established at approximately £1.8 million.

Funding Progress

• Approximately £1 million secured or anticipated towards project delivery through:

  • £280,000 from Dornoch Common Good Fund.

  • £387,000 from affordable housing plot sales.

  • £250,000 from the agreed sale of the Social Club.

  • Approximately £85,000 from the final housing plot sale.

Consents

• Planning in Principle application submitted in March 2026.

Next Steps

• Secure remaining capital funding.

• Complete detailed design and technical development.

• Obtain planning consent and other statutory approvals.

• Finalise land transfer arrangements.

• Undertake procurement and tender process.

• Appoint construction contractor.

• Commence construction.

• Complete building fit-out and operational preparations.

• Open the new Community Centre for community use.

5. What is your anticipated start date/end date?

Subject to funding approval, the project is anticipated to commence detailed development and procurement activities during 2026, with construction beginning once funding and statutory approvals are secured.

Anticipated Start Date: Autumn/Winter 2026/Spring 2027

Anticipated Completion Date: Autumn/Winter 2027/Spring 2028

This timetable aligns with the project's implementation plan and current funding strategy.

This draft is based on the approved business plan and can be tailored further if you tell me which funder or programme you are applying to.

• Sutherland