Take A Bow takes a bow!

Take A Bow Development Trust is celebrating the completion of their £2.7m acquisition and re-development for the Former New Farm Loch Community Centre in Kilmarnock.  The work by Take A Bow, has saved and transformed the former community centre and has created a dynamic and exciting new facility for local people.

Take A Bow was established back in 2012 by Martyn Hay and Natalie Boyce to provide preforming arts classes for young people in Kilmarnock and surrounding areas.   The classes were based in the New Farm Loch Community Centre that was owned and run by East Ayrshire Council.

In 2018, as part of the Council’s transformation strategy to empower local communities,  ownership of the centre transferred to the local community - as a community asset transfer -  and has since become one of the most successful community initiatives to date.

Martyn and Natalie said: “Our initial aim was to run preforming arts classes and provide opportunities for young people and since acquiring the centre in 2018, we have been working to save the centre for community use and make the building fit for purpose and sustainable for the future.”

This work has involved transforming the organisation into the main community anchor organisation in the area that deliversa wide range of services to the local community. The centre now attracts over 70,000 attendances each year and is recognised as one of the most dynamic and well used community facilities in the area.  The services delivered include Performing Arts Classes for young people; Lunch Club; Take A Bow Tots; Children’s Parties; Youth Development Programme; Community Development Programme; Specialist Support Programme for Young People with Additional Needs; Dedicated Function and Performance Space. The centre is also used by a wide range of local organisations and agencies that deliver activity and support for local people.  

The project to create an exciting and sustainable community facility for the local community has taken 8 years. A total of £2.7m has been raised with funding provided by the Scottish Land Fund; more than £1.5 million from the Scottish Government’s Regeneration and Capital Grant Fund and CARES Fund; UK Government Community Ownership Fund; Scottish Government Cares Fund; East Ayrshire Renewable Energy Fund; and East Ayrshire Place Based Investment Programme.

The re-development of the centre has involved transforming a dated 1970s building into a modern fit for purpose facility that is sustainable for future use. A key feature of this work has been the measures introduced to improve the energy efficiency of the building and reduce carbon emissions.  The centre is now one of the most energy efficient buildings in East Ayrshire that contributes to the wider Net Zero Strategy.

Take A Bow has been supported through this journey by East Ayrshire Council as part of their local regeneration activity, and has also benefited from a range of Cross-Governmental Funding Support.  

Councillor Clare Leitch, Provost of East Ayrshire Council, who joined in the tape cutting ceremony said: “As a passionate champion of wellbeing activities and positive opportunities for all our communities and especially for our young people, I’m delighted to be joining with our Scottish and UK Government colleagues today to officially open this exciting project.

“From the outset Take a Bow has been an ambitious undertaking, very strongly driven by the commitment and infectious enthusiasm and dedication of Martyn and Natalie and a whole cast of hard working helpers. They’ve pushed their vision through to fruition, bringing together Scottish and UK Governments, our Council teams and applying for and accessing numerous funding streams, to achieve something which is more than just a venue – it’s a testament to what can be done when community and organisations see what’s possible and work together to make life better for all concerned.

“This is Community Led Regeneration at its best, built by the people, for the people, making best use of the talents and funding available. We’ve always known that the activities and ethos offered by Take a Bow are very special, and this building is now a fitting setting for the whole organisation to prosper and continue what it does best, enhancing the opportunities and enriching the lives of all who pass through its doors.”

The project has also formed a key part of the Scottish Government’s strategy around Place Making and Community Regeneration. Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice Shirley-Anne Somerville said:

“I’m pleased to join the official opening of the Take a Bow community centre and to see the benefits from the near £1.5 million we’ve invested in its redevelopment.

“The centre will provide invaluable opportunities for families and young people and, hopefully, inspire generations to come.

“The Scottish Government is committed to supporting towns and communities across the country, opening the door to new, formative and positive experiences for families while creating opportunities for people to help them live well in every region.

“That’s why we are investing more than £62 million in regeneration work this year, on top of the £25.6m East Ayrshire has received in the last 11 years.”

Kirsty McNeill Scotland Office Minister said"The transformation of the former New Farm Loch Community Centre is a fantastic example of what can be achieved when communities take ownership of their local assets. Through the UK Government's Community Ownership Fund, we've been proud to support Take A Bow with more than £800k to help save this vital facility and create opportunities for local people in Kilmarnock. 

"This project demonstrates the real impact community-led regeneration can have – transforming a building that faced closure into a thriving hub that now welcomes 70k visits each year. Take A Bow's dedication over eight years to secure this centre's future shows the strength and determination of Scotland's communities, and I'm delighted the UK Government has been able to play a key role in making this vision a reality."

The Opening Ceremony held on Friday 7^th November provided an opportunity for everyone at Take A Bow to celebrate the completion of the acquisition and re-development of the centre.  It has also provided an opportunity for us to showcase some of the young people involved with the organisation and also outline our plans for the future.

John McManus Chairperson of Take A Bow said “Take A Bow is delighted to have now completed the acquisition and re-development of the former New Farm Loch Community Centre in Kilmarnock.  The project has been progressed over the last eight years and provides a modern fit for purpose building that is able to support the delivery of a wide range of services for local people.

The project represents an excellent example of community-led regeneration and we are extremely grateful to all of our funding partners for helping us to transform the building into an exciting and dynamic new facility that will act as a base for the delivery of our performing arts programme and as a community hub.

arts programme and as a community hub.”