theSPACE DUNBAR

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An ambitious & unique community based Facility

Forged through social action and ambitious enterprise, theSpace Dunbar builds on the success of theSpace North Berwick (2011-2015). We’re creating a youth-powered hub to promote, motivate, and celebrate ‘Youth in Community’, driving positive action, opportunities, and connections in our multi-generational, geographically diverse area. Powered by youth for the whole community.


This inclusive, bold Action, Learning, and Enterprise Hub will be open to all, with high-quality facilities, activities, clubs, coaching, and social programs. It emphasizes social purpose, economic self-reliance, and environmental sustainability.

WHAT IS theSPACE DUNBAR?

 

We’re building a groundbreaking, multi-generational facility in Dunbar to empower individuals, foster connections, and boost community cohesion. Set in vibrant East Lothian, Dunbar faces rapid growth, straining services for youth and families, especially amid post-Covid challenges and rising costs. Our youth-powered facility will bridge divides (geographic, generational, social) by offering diverse leisure, learning, and enterprise opportunities that complement existing facilities.

Our facility will feature:

  • Flexible auditorium for cinema, gigs, and theatre
  • Indoor bouldering walls and Clip and Climb
  • Indoor/outdoor skatepark
  • Cafes, bars, and social spaces (indoor/outdoor)
  • Four 10-pin bowling lanes
  • Enterprise/co-working hub and learning/support spaces
  • In-house/e-commerce retail
  • Workshops for management, maintenance, and manufacturing

PROGRESS

PHASE 1 - COMPLETE

SECURE TEAM & SITE.

Secured exclusivity agreement on Dunbear Point site with Eweford Farm, assembled a dedicated team of 3 executive and 5 non-executive directors with diverse expertise, obtained 3 years of funding for lead director and commissioned extensive initial feasibility study.

PHASE 2 - SUBMITTED

PLANNING APPLICATION.

Conducted public consultations in July 2025, designed detailed facility plans  using RIBA stages 2-3, raised £98,000 through grants and a successful October 2025 Crowdfunder and officially submitted the full planning application to East Lothian Council in early 2026 — now awaiting decision.

PHASE 3 - NEXT

CAPITAL FUNDRAISE.

Develop comprehensive capital strategy to raise £15 million for construction, engage with major grant foundations, social investment funds, and private investors, secure additional revenue for project management, and aim for permissions by mid 2026 to break ground 2027, with phased opening in 2027-2028.

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