South Seeds - from neglected changing rooms to thriving community hub

In the summer of 2021, South Seeds consulted with over 170 residents seeking views by means of an online survey and five in-person consultation events. All participants familiar with the area were of the view that the rejuvenation of the site was long overdue. Typical comments were that the graffiti-covered building was an ‘eyesore’ in its current condition. Many who responded felt strongly that the space could have a meaningful role to play in bringing people together and improving wellbeing locally.

Lucy Gillie, General Manager, South Seeds said:

South Seeds have received £256,793 from the community ownership fund (£219,003 capital funding and £37,790 revenue). COF funding will be used to create a Community Net-Zero hub, providing a range of low-carbon information, training operations and resources, alongside urban nature-based wellbeing activities for Glasgow residents

The plan is that the central section of the existing building will be demolished and replaced by an area of hard standing with a timber shelter protecting a section of the outdoor space. On the south of the central space will be a kiosk/café with outdoor seating beyond it, and to the north, the remaining cubicles will be converted into a small meeting room and workshop and storage space. The surrounding land will be developed with further raised beds.

South Seeds aim to use all the expertise at their disposal to ensure a very resource and energy-efficient build, reflecting the ethos of the organisation and ensuring the lowest running costs for the space as can reasonably be achieved.

A diagnostic session undertaken by Development Trust Association Scotland (DTAS) identified that the Outline Business Plan the group had developed was strong but could be improved in some areas. A support package was put together identifying areas where the group could make improvements themselves and others that were more suited to an external consultant (DTAS Associate). The group set to work on a number of improvements, such as clarifying the strategic fit with the wider development plan for the park, adding case studies from users and outlining the lease terms agreed with the local authority.

The Associate's main task was to incorporate updated capital costs into the business plan and outline a clear funding strategy as well as developing five-year financial forecasts. A risk register was also completed, focussing specifically on the capital project and a theory of change added to show a clear path from activities to the wider impact in the community.

The work was completed quickly as the group were keen to meet the funding window deadline and they were very satisfied with the support they received through the programme.