Work to build a £1.8 million multi-purpose hub in Midlothian is to continue despite grant bids for the project being unsuccessful, it has been announced.

Councillors at a full council meeting on 03 November heard bids to the Big Lottery and the government's Regeneration Capital Grants fund had been rejected.

However, work is to go ahead on the new facility alongside Dalkeith Miners Club and the local community.


Council Leader Catherine Johnstone said: "It's obviously hugely disappointing to hear the bids for the £1.86 million facility have not been successful this time round.

"The Woodburn Community Hub Project Group will look at the feedback received from funders following the submissions and use it to strengthen its case for the next tranche of funding.

"A national social enterprise organisation, Community Enterprise will continue to support and work with community groups to develop the community facilities and to submit bids for the necessary funding."

In 2011, the council agreed to support the development of the hub in Woodburn.

Planning permission is in place to build the new facility on the site of the current welfare club.

(LM/CD)