Community-led group ProMo has signed up its first local business in its ambition to revitalise Montrose town centre.
Stuart King’s popular Lilybank Bakehouse this week became the first tenant in one of four town centre properties the ambitious group has acquired for community ownership.
It’s a huge step for Stuart after setting up a home micro-bakery in 2023.
And it also represents a significant early milestone in ProMo’s long-term hopes for the town.
Montrose Development & Improvement CIC was established as a community-led organisation to deliver transformational change in the town.
Project development officer Cara Gall said: “ProMo operates with a clear vision: to revitalise Montrose’s historic High Street and wider town centre through sustainable development, heritage-led regeneration and community ownership.”
Cara’s appointment is another of the key strides ProMo has already made.
As well as the new Lilybank Bakery base at 6 Castle Place, it has acquired three other vacant town centre units.
10 High Street is due to open within days as the base for ProMo’s operations.
54 High Street is to be open in early August. It is to be a flexible, short-term bookable pop up market/gallery/exhibition space.
18 High Street will be renovated for rental.
The group plans to publish a tenant guide to retain design quality and heritage integrity on the historic High Street.
Baker Stuart brings creative talent from Montrose to Angus
Stuart has hailed the platform ProMo has offered to expand his business dream.
He hopes to be up and running from the former sandwich shop premises in the autumn.
“I started as a micro-bakery in 2023 out of a bedroom in my home,” said Stuart.
“I had previously worked as a chef and baker in Glasgow at Roots, Fruits, and Flowers then moved on to the much lauded Beef Cake Cafe in Anniesland.
“When I moved to Montrose I felt the pull back to my passion for baking and this led to me opening Lilybank Bakehouse.”
He said there had been huge local support for his sourdough breads and pastries made with locally-sourced organic ingredients.
“This has allowed the business to flourish to the point that we are now ready to move into a larger facility.
“Thanks to ProMo this has become possible,” said Stuart.
ProMo community survey
ProMo is also currently running a community engagement survey to gather views on what people would like to see in Montrose Town Centre.
Cara added: “Survey results will help support future funding applications so we’re encouraging as many people as possible to have their say.”
The survey runs until July 4 and is available at forms.office.com/e/QjwkQwT8G8
ProMo’s wider goals include creating Scotland’s ‘street of sculpture’ in Montrose town centre using the work of renowned artist William Lamb.
Cara added: “We are looking at various other major projects including redevelopment of the former Corner House into a new landmark aparthotel and café bar.”
An upgraded accessible green route from railway station to the town centre and redevelopment of the former M&Co site are also possible projects.
“ProMo are now actively looking for funding for these various projects and volunteers to assist in the various community engagement events we have planned,” she said.
“Anyone interested should contact us at beachburghbasin24@gmail.com”
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