This development offers the community a wonderful focus for all aspects of Craft Town Scotland. The bringing together of the lovely shapes in the old church, with a new internal design, will create a building which is remarkable in its own right and will draw interest from many quarters.

An elevated trio of rooms fan out across the internal building providing a contrast of shapes, fabric, light and textures. These will house the "Maker in Residence" studio where crafters of national and international standard will work on creating a new body of work for exhibition whilst leading education workshops and Masterclasses. Alongside are a classroom and studio for craft classes and workshops which will allow a year long programme of craft activities to be planned for local residents and visitors. The final room will be a volunteer and training Room and will allow staff training for all including those on work experience placements.

On entering the building you will find a stylish reception and office area. Tucked behind and to the side is a cafe with space enough for 24 people. During the evening this area may be used by local crafters and other interest groups.

In the atmospheric main hall you will find retail spaces housing quality, affordable craft giftware and merchandise. Alongside there will be a craft exhibition spaces capable of hosting local, regional, national and international exhibitions of innovative contemporary craft and design.

All ages and stages will be catered for. It is planned to welcome Mother and Toddler groups, primary and secondary schoolchildren, Further Education Colleges, young people (16-24 years), novice crafters through to experienced makers, the elderly and those with special needs.

To be able to carry forward this vision the Craft Town Committee and Barony Project Team have recognised the need for substantial fund raising. In order to carry this out they have appointed a Funding Officer, a Business Plan Manager, a Lottery Support Officer and Assist Architects to amend their original design plans. Many of these appointments have been made through government funded organisations who have the background and expertise to support community groups.

The Barony Project Team itself is drawn from the local community, with people who have a wealth of skills, knowledge and expertise. Amongst the team we have an award winning architect, recognised throughout the UK and beyond for his contribution towards innovative and inspiring buildings and for his commitment to renewing and reusing churches, an Operations Manager of a national Visitor Attraction with experience of managing, amongst other facilities, the £15 million Millenium Attraction, two educationalists who between them have managed and inspired others from the primary and secondary education sector right up to the further education and senior management level and a highly experienced Company Secretary and Accountant.

Local fund raising, including the Barony furniture sales, is also playing a significant role. Donations from community groups and individuals are highly valued and a record of successes, and a running total, are kept up to date on the Barony Barometer which may be seen in the Barony Church hall.

There is no doubt that the famous furniture sales started to spread the name of Barony Church, West Kilbride. However in its next life this building is set to play a starring role once again but this time as a crafting and architectural highlight and centre piece for West Kilbride, Craft Town Scotland.

Have a look at the Craft Town Scotland Barony Centre Proposal 2009 right here on s1westlkilbride, just click on the 1st image and page through the proposal!

W.K. Initiative Centre
86 Main Street
West Kilbride
KA23 9AP
01294 822266
initiative@westkilbride.org.uk