The Old Showfield on Southfield Lane has stood empty and neglected for fifteen years. Wigtown & Bladnoch Community Initiative has been formed to regain community ownership of the Showfield. We feel that it would greatly enhance Wigtown.
Initial ideas for the future use of the Showfield have included affordable housing and business units, an area for outdoor events with space for a marquee and parking, a community orchard and various projects.
Using Community Right to Buy legislation, the Scottish Government has given us the right to buy the land if the current owners put it on the market. If that happens, we would apply to the Scottish Land Fund for a grant towards the cost. Unfortunately the owners, 3b construction, have a planning application for 43 houses (of various sizes) for the old showfield. For the present, therefore, we are waiting to see what the Council decides about their application.