Straiton Community Hub Receives £20,000 Grant from Asda Foundation for Church Building Renovation

St Leonard’s Episcopal Church in Straiton has received a £20,000 grant from The Asda Foundation to transform an unused church building into a community hub. The funding is part of a broader initiative that has awarded £150,000 to eight community groups across Scotland through its Investing in Spaces and Places grants. This initiative is part of a larger £1.2 million investment in 65 community projects across the UK, aimed at improving spaces where people can gather and thrive.

The grants range from £10,000 to £25,000 and are intended to enhance community facilities. The Asda Foundation’s decision follows findings from its community tracker, which highlighted concerns about the lack of community spaces, with over 20% of customers expressing worry about this issue. Loneliness was identified as one of the top challenges faced by communities, with over 38% of respondents citing it as a significant concern.

The funds will be used to install a disabled toilet, a new solar-powered heating system, and to reconfigure the seating area to accommodate a variety of community events. This transformation is expected to increase accessibility and provide more opportunities for local residents to engage with their community.

Claire Smith, Community Champion for Asda Straiton, presented the cheque to St Leonard’s Episcopal Church. She emphasized the growing need for accessible and affordable community spaces, noting that Midlothian is one of the fastest-growing areas in Scotland. The church’s initiative aligns with efforts to address community needs through local action and collaboration.

The project reflects a commitment to supporting community development and addressing social challenges. By repurposing the church building, St Leonard’s Episcopal Church aims to serve as a vital resource for the local population, fostering connection and providing essential services. This effort underscores the importance of community spaces in promoting well-being and social cohesion.

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