DCDC Project Portfolio.

Douglas Arms Hotel.

The Douglas Arms was a historic village pub and hotel at the heart of Douglas, South Lanarkshire.

It was a key part of village life and a vital amenity but is now in a state of increasing disrepair internally, though the fabric of the building was secured with heritage funding in recent years. The business was on the market for some time before being bought at auction by a private individual who is believed to wish to sell the property. With the loss of other pubs, and other amenities from the village, Douglas has already suffered from the disappearance of centres of community life.

In response to demand from the community, DCDC intends to purchase the Douglas Arms and run it as a community-led social enterprise. The asset has the potential to trigger social and economic growth for the Douglas community and a recent feasibility study showed significant demand. The detailed business plan found here will determine the scale and nature of what can be achieved as well as the potential risks.

Crabtree Park.

Crabtree Park is an open space on the edge of the village which has two grass pitches and was served by a basic pavilion. The pavilion was removed by South Lanarkshire Council due to safety concerns. A recent feasibility study explored how DCDC could improve Crabtree Park.

There is an opportunity to upgrade the two football fields in the park through constructing a pavilion with changing rooms and associated facilities, and potentially installing some lighting. This would create a more effective space for local sports teams, and those from surrounding villages, to come and practice and play matches. It is viewed locally as largely a good facility but with opportunity for development particularly to allow the sports clubs to use it for formal games for which compliant changing facilities will be required.

There is a good 4G sports pitch at the school, but nothing for the community in the immediate area. There is a need for a pavilion and some desire for a potentially covered spectator area. There are games on the site at the moment but teams are changing in pubs etc then have to travel ¼ mile onto the pitch. Read the feasibility study here.

Public Realm.

DCDC is involved in a range of activities across the village which seek to enhance the punlic realm for all.

This has included the introduction of planting schemes, planters, Christmas lighting and more strategic efforts to reinvigorate communal areas. It is hoped to continue to build on efforts to date in coming years.