The conversion of West Kilbride’s Barony Church to a craft centre incorporating exhibition space, workshops, an education facility and cafe is the subject of a £865,000 building contract awarded by West Kilbride Community Initiative (WKCI) to Clark Contracts.

Work on the 19th century listed building involves a fit out of the existing building, a new mezzanine floor and a new glass cafe extension, with work scheduled for completion by mid September 2011.

It is the latest project in the Craft Town Scotland initiative, set up to increase the attractiveness of West Kilbride as a place to live, work and visit, with particular emphasis on cultural, environmental and social issues.

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Maggie Broadley, Craft Development Manager, Craft Town Scotland said, “After years of planning, paperwork and fundraising, it’s so exciting that the project is now underway.

“The Barony Centre will play an important role for the community of West Kilbride, providing an ideal shop window for local craftsmen to showcase their skills.”

Commenting on the contract win, Gordon Cunningham, managing director, Clark Contracts said: “Over a number of years, we have developed extensive experience working on listed buildings and to be awarded such a unique project is a real pleasure and privilege for us. We look forward to handing the Craft Centre over to the local community who have worked so hard to bring this project to life.”

Set up in 1998, WKCI Ltd established West Kilbride as Scotland's first Craft & Design Town.

(GK)