Work to encourage Dumfries town centre enterprise on the cusp of success

dailyrecord.co.uk:

Work to encourage enterprise and create new opportunities in Dumfries town centre is on the cusp of exciting success.Jakob Kaye, the recently-appointed enterprise manager at Midsteeple Quarter, said he is in discussions with a range of organisations interested in bringing new ideas to the High Street and is exploring ways of helping them to achieve their goals.He added: “It’s really quite inspiring to be out talking to people and hearing the many and varied ideas they have.“So often they just need the right space and the right partners to help make things happen for them.“We’re working really hard to try and bring all of those things together – and I really do believe that we will see some special things coming together in the not too distant future.“Despite all of the challenges which are out there, there is a real desire from people to be in Dumfries and see what part they can play in creating a new future for Dumfries town centre, creating even more reasons for people to want to live, work and visit here.”Midsteeple Quarter (MSQ) is a community benefit society owned by – and working for – the people of Dumfries.

It has taken six buildings into community ownership in the past six years.Its transformation of the former Baker’s Oven site into The Standard closes is due to be completed soon.It will include enterprise, workshop and community spaces unlike anything else in the town, as well as the seven flats that will sit above them.Two more organisations are also set to move into 111 High Street, another MSQ-owned building.Julian Forster is setting up a by-appointment micro art and curios gallery, with Maryna Muzychenko and Albina Solovei, who moved to Dumfries from Ukraine, setting up a candle and jewellery-making