The SKS Team supported MACPool from inception to completion of their redevelopment project to create the Community Activity Hub.
Initially, SKS worked closely with the MACPool Board and staff to carry out broad ranging community engagement, through an online survey and drop in sessions, leading to an options appraisal that helped the Board decide on the best route forward for the redevelopment.
SKS then produced a business plan to accompany the Scottish Land Fund Stage 2 application to support MACPool in purchasing the adjoining building to enable the planned expansion. This document included plans for future organisational growth and development of new income streams, based on the community and market research that we had carried out, together with desk research and stakeholder consultation. The application was successful, providing a capital grant towards the building purchase and support for development of the project into the next phase.
A member of our team then provided support to the Board in implementing the funding strategy and raising the required capital funds to deliver the project. This entailed multiple funding applications and management of complex funder relations to secure over £1.6 million of capital funding.
We then delivered ongoing financial management of the capital project, working closely with the appointed architect to carry out procurement of the contractors through PCS, manage the funder reporting and claims processes, and support the MACPool Manager and Board in delivery of the capital programme. This was successfully completed in March 2022 and MACPool Community Activity Hub was opened in May 2022.
A member of the SKS team now volunteers on the Board of MACPool providing ongoing grant and business development support as required.
SKS drew together team skills in market research, community engagement, business planning, financial management and project management and delivery to support MACPool in the successful creation of this valuable community facility.
