COMHAIRLE PROJECT WINS NATIONAL RECOGNITION

A representative of the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors travelled to Stornoway this week, to present the Comhairle with a high-profile award for its Balivanich Regeneration Project.

At a presentation held in the Council Chamber on Wednesday, Joanne Allen of RICS described the project as an excellent example of joined-up thinking which highlights the many community benefits which successful regeneration can bring.

During the presentation ceremony, Matt Bruce, the Comhairle’s Principal Development Officer outlined the background to the Regeneration project, and explained the factors that made Balivanich such a unique village within the Western Isles. The Project Manager, John A MacQuarrie, then detailed how the work was implemented and outlined the key components of the regeneration strategy, concluding with a summary of indicators against which the success of the project could be measured.

Presenting the award, Joanne Allen from RICS Scotland, said: “The closure of the MoD base could have sounded the death knell for Benbecula. Instead, because of swift and innovative action by the local authority, a young and vibrant community has been born. The positive physical, social and economic impacts have brought many benefits to the community, and will continue to do so for future generations. It is truly a credit to all those involved.”

Cllr Norman MacLeod, Chair of the Comhairle’s Housing Committee, who received the award on behalf of the Comhairle, said:

“ In looking back to the MoD’s withdrawal from Balivanich, it presented the Comhairle with a very difficult challenge, to restore a community that had become so dependent on the MoD’s presence and to transform a military garrison into a desirable residential area. I am very pleased with what has been achieved. I should like to thank RICS for recognising the contribution the project has made to the local community and for awarding us their Community Benefit Award for 2005. We were greatly encouraged by the comments we received from the team of judges that visited Balivanich. I should like to thank everyone who has contributed to the success of the project.”

The RICS Awards are now in their fifteenth year and celebrate the best of the built environment. As winner of the RICS Scotland Community Benefit award, Balivanich Regeneration will now be entered into the grand final of the RICS Awards to compete with other projects around the world. The winners will be announced at a ceremony on 7 October in London hosted by Kevin McCloud, presenter of Channel 4’s Grand Designs programme.

Nigel Scott
Communications Officer
Comhairle nan Eilean Siar

Tel: 01851 709389 (Work)
Tel: 07884 236103 (Mobile)
email: nscott@cne-siar.gov.uk