Alltnacriche Staff Housing Appeal
Alltnacriche Staff Housing Update
The Alltnacriche centre is set in 17 stunning acres of open
parkland and woodland in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park.
The service provision includes residential holidays, weekend groups
and Educational Activity Breaks (EABs). An increasing number of
schools choose to visit for EABs which meet the Scottish
Government's Curriculum for Excellence guidelines.
Over the past 21 years, the centre has grown in size and the scope
of activities offered.
The increased centre usage has highlighted the inadequacy of
current staff
accommodation. In order to sustain and develop work at the centre,
suitable on-site housing must be made available for staff.
In October 2008 an appeal was made to supporters, and over £150,000
has been raised. Scripture Union Scotland has set an internal
target of raising £205,000.
The development (described in detail overleaf) will supply all
utilities to the site and provide a terrace with three properties
on this location, at a cost of £409,336.
The following milestones have already been achieved:
• site identified and fully mapped
• civil engineering investigations completed
• architectural design and civil engineering
drawings prepared
• planning application submitted
Tender drawings are being prepared and will be issued shortly.
What are we planning to build?
We are planning to build a terrace of three units, with
two bedrooms in each (see floor plans below). The project will
include all the groundwork, servicing of the site and utility
provision. Once complete, these buildings will provide attractive,
spacious housing for staff members - removed from the noise of the
main centre but close enough for ready access.
When do we hope to commence building?
The building phase will take up to five months. However,
the housing location means that disruption to regular users of the
centre will be minimised, and the centre will remain open
throughout the project. The aim is to complete the project by
Spring 2011.
Why build on site rather than buy
locally?
In recent months, property has been rented in Aviemore on a
temporary basis. Though this option is the best short-term solution
available, the experience has underlined the value of on-site
housing for on-call working, the management of split shifts, the
resolution of commuting difficulties and enhancing the sense of
community.
Exploring the outdoors
The Classroom Outdoors is a key area of focus in the Scottish
Government's Curriculum for Excellence and offers growth
opportunities for outdoor centres like Alltnacriche. SUS delivers
high quality residential events which explore the outdoors, promote
personal and social development and enhance religious and moral
education within a community context. In 2009, more than 500 young
people visited Alltnacriche on an Educational Activity Break,
typically for a five day stay.
What Others Say...
"Over the past 20 years many different groups have come to Alltnacriche and each year at Easter and in the summer, SU holidays have been held there. There is a unique feel to this beautiful centre surrounded by hills, lochs and woods. Here people have been introduced to the Christian gospel and helped to grow in their faith."
Colin Sinclair
"Working as Project Manager for the initial development of
Alltnacriche, was one of the most fulfilling periods in my
life. As old plaster ceilings fell down, it was exciting to
see money pour in to enable the project to be completed well beyond
the initial meagre budget."
Melville Paton
