What do you want to do? (Clearly list the activities you need funding for)

Applecross Community Company (ACC) wants to renovate a community-owned church building into an energy-efficient Business and Skills Hub. This application requests a financial contribution toward the project's Development Phase, RIBA Stages 1–4:  (1) Preparation and Briefing, including site studies and structural surveys; (2) Concept Design, including community consultations; (3) Spatial Coordination, including submitting the Planning Application; and (4) Technical Design, including preparation and submission of the Building Regulations Application.

Why is your project important for your community? Please include details of how your project aligns with your Areas Place Plan 

Residents will have better access to remote working as the Hub will provide hot-desking spaces with high-speed broadband, printers and photocopier. Businesses will gain access to meeting and conference rooms with modern digital technology and workshop space for skills training and a tool library. Additionally, young professionals and apprentices secure affordable housing in two studio apartments, which generates rental income for the building’s maintenance. This directly delivers on the Wester Ross, Strathpeffer and Lochalsh Area Place Plan's priority to support local business development and digital connectivity.

What positive impact? Tell us about the outcomes you expect

The main outcome of the Development Phase of the project will be obtaining Planning Permission and the Building Warranty, which will allow ACC to progress toward the renovation phase (RIBA 5-6). In turn, the Applecross Skills and Business Hub will deliver the following outcomes across five key areas,: (1) Increased economic diversity and sustainable growth; (2) improved access and affordability of housing; (3) improved community and well-being; (4) Increased community resilience; and (5) contribution towards net zero.

What key milestones have you achieved so far and what will your next steps be? │Community Engagement & Support Evidenced │Project Plan/Feasibility/Business Case created │ Necessary Consents Obtained │Quotes Obtained │ Funding applications Submitted │

Community consultations showed strong support for acquiring the building, while a feasibility study and business plan confirmed its viability. The Scottish Land Fund financed the 2023 purchase, and HIE funded initial repairs. Following change-of-use and pre-planning approvals, ACC appointed a Lead Architect with technical team to obtain redesign the building and obtain full planning permission and building warrant. For RIBA stages 1–4, ACC awaits a Dochas (Applecross’ community fund) grant agreement (£35k) and is preparing a business case requested by HIE.

What is your anticipated start date/end date

As soon as possible so that the Lead Architect can progress work.