Bridgend Farmhouse have brought a 19th century building back into use, and have ambitious plans for a £50,000 revamp

Community partners are being sought for a project which aims to revamp a landmark building.

The bid to restore a 19th century farmhouse in Bridgend, Edinburgh, started eight years ago and culminated in the spring with a new community hub being officially opened.

And now Bridgend Farmhouse is looking for support from members of the community as the group looks to carry out an ambitious restoration of the building.

The charity is running a community share scheme and hopes to raise £50,000.

Shares are priced at £1, with buyers able to purchase between 25 and 5,000. The group hopes to create a community hub and social enterprise centre which is owned and controlled by the local community, and operated by staff and volunteers.

“It’s a simple format – one share equals one vote at the AGM,” said Kevin McGlynn, the incoming chairman of Bridgend Inspiring Growth.

“People can see how the project unfolds and they can also take part in it too. They invest in the project, both their time and their money, and hopefully will get to see the project grow.”

Those who invest will have a say on how the project is run, and will have an opportunity to cash their shares in after five years. More details about the share issue – which is open until 2 November - are available online.

The group hopes to raise £50,000 – which would allow it to run the café for longer hours, restore the farmhouse building and workshops, retain and recruit staff, and put the project on a more stable footing. A maximum target of £100,000 has been set, which would allow greater development and more support services for the community.

Having spent seven years as chairman of homeless charity Move On, McGlynn said he was looking for a new challenge when he attended the official opening of the community hub last year. After staying for the whole of the event, he expressed an interest in joining the charity and is set to be named chairman at the group’s next meeting.

He told TFN that he was drawn to the project as it is one that has the potential to bring residents together.

“I think there isn’t much of a sense of community in Edinburgh,” he said. “I have been here for 30 years and have never experienced a great deal of community spirit.

“That was one of the things that got me interested in this project. I think it really can bring a sense of community to the area, as well as providing a hub and great training services.”