OVER £30,000 worth of funding from an innovative renewable fund has helped to transform an abandoned toilet block into a vibrant community hub.
Stonehouse Men’s Shed has received funding from OnPath Energy – formally known as Banks Renewables – Kype Muir Community Panel (KMCP) fund to transform the former disused public toilets.
The Hamilton-based renewable developers previously donated £5,800 to purchase a portacabin and £13,499 for an initial phase of works, but more recently topped this up with £12,200 worth of funding to rewild the once derelict grounds.
Rob Freel trustee of Stonehouse Men’s Shed, said: “When we first took over the grounds, it was left in a shocking state. It was completely overgrown with brambles; trees were badly damaged and there were around 50 bags worth of rubbish we had to remove.
“The funding has allowed us to completely transform the grounds, we’ve been able to build new paths to make it more accessible, we’ve planted a wide variety of fruit trees, as well as creating a garden to grow fruit and vegetables.
“The second round of funding has helped us to improve the grounds even further. We’ve built a multifunctional hut for honey spinning and plant potting, enhanced our pergola with a roof for water collection, and installed a solar-powered water feature.
“We’ve also been able to boost our garden by adding more raised beds, which we’re now in discussions with local school and organisational groups to come and take over and learn about gardening and where food comes from.
“To be able to get the grounds to where it is today wouldn’t have been possible without OnPath Energy. Their team from start to finish, were great to deal with and the process for applying for funding couldn’t have been easier.”
Founded in 2018 as a registered charity, Stonehouse Men’s Shed aims to foster social interaction and provide health benefits, especially for elderly community members who might be experiencing loneliness.
The funding has also allowed the group to buy essential maintenance tools and add electricity to its pergola, which they said will be ideal for musical groups to perform in during the summer.
The KMCP is an initiative funded by OnPath Energy that provides grant support to groups and communities in the surrounding area of its Kype Muir Wind Farm project.
Robin Winstanley, director of sustainability and community at OnPath Energy said: “It’s been inspiring to see what the Stonehouse Men’s Shed has been able to achieve with the KMCP funding.
“From where the grounds once were, to where it is now, is an astonishing achievement and a real testament to the hard work and fantastic community spirit of its members.
“Community hubs are vital, and this is exactly what the KMCP fund was set up to do, to help bring communities together by providing the funds to build invaluable assets where the community can flourish and forge lasting memories.”
The Kype Muir and Kype Muir Extension wind farm projects are part of OnPath Energy’s commitment to maximise the economic, social, and environmental benefits of its projects in South Lanarkshire.
Together, the 41 turbines across the two sites have an installed capacity exceeding 150 megawatts, generating enough electricity annually for over 120,000 households or 200,000 people – close to the population of Aberdeen.
The wind farms will also deliver over £770,000 in community benefits yearly to support initiatives in neighbouring areas.
OnPath Energy is currently building a new website as part of the re-brand process. Until the new website is ready all project information and news will remain at www.banksgroup.co.uk/renewables.
For more information on the Kype Muir Community Fund, visit: https://www.banksgroup.co.uk/kype-muir-wind-farm-community-fund/.
To learn more about Stonehouse Men’s Shed visit: https://www.facebook.com/groups/329823514442230.
