Projects
HADDINGTON TOWN CENTRE VISION
APPEAL FOR FUNDS
In the 1960's Haddington pioneered the first comprehensive makeover of a historic town centre in Scotland. The effect was electric. Trade boomed, visitor numbers escalated and Haddington breathed confidence and vitality. The town deserved no less for it was then, and still is, a fine Scottish burgh, described as "probably the best conserved example of 18th and 19th century burghal architecture in Scotland".
Today the town centre appears run down and tired and the very fabric is now under threat. More than a makeover is urgently needed. Therefore earlier this year HADAS joined together with Haddington Community Council, Haddington Business Association and Haddington's History Society to form the Haddington Town Centre Vision Committee (HTCVC) to examine what could be done. The conclusion is that by the identification and implementation of a programme of short, medium and long term initiatives the historic town centre can be rescued before it is too late.
After a rigorous selection process, HTCVC has appointed Urban Animation (subject to completion of funding) to consult, collaborate and finally construct a programme of necessary measures for the town centre. The approach of Urban Animation is emphatically community-based and is complementary to official planning procedures. The complete study includes alternative strategies and the cost is £15,000 excluding VAT. East Lothian Council has generously pledged £10,000 and Haddington Community Council a further £2,000. To cover the shortfall of £3,000 plus VAT and possible contingencies, we are now seeking a further £6,000.
So we need YOUR help and YOUR support to save YOUR town centre. Each contribution, big or small, will be acknowledged. The Study WILL be followed by action and the results can, with YOUR support, breathe new life into the town centre and into Haddington, so please, please, HELP.
If you would like to learn more about the project or to make a contribution please contact our Chairman: Andrew Robinson Tel: 01620 822248 or email the Webmaster on hlr@hotmail.co.uk.
