The charity behind plans for a new Riding for the Disabled facility in Stirling say they want to improve disability services more broadly within Forth Valley.
And they are encouraging people to participate in their three-month consultation ahead of a formal planning application being submitted, including at an event in Raploch tonight (Wednesday).
Equi-Power was established in response to the loss of Bannockburn RDA in 2014, with a mission to create a new purpose-built RDA centre of excellence for Scotland.
Their vision includes providing high quality facilities to deliver therapeutic riding, vaulting, carriage driving, learning and volunteering opportunities, alongside a fully accessible play area and cafe with Changing Places toilet facilities that are open to all.
The charity has submitted a Proposal of Application Notice (PAN) to Stirling Council planners for a site earmarked at the Kildean Loop, north of Selbie Place.
They say the spot, owned by the council, has been chosen following a thorough search of potential sites and consultation with a technical team, comprising a surveyor, engineer and architect, and offers “excellent access to Stirling and surrounding areas as well as a good grazing with beautiful views of the castle and Wallace Monument”.
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Work on the project is now being led by the board of trustees and the staff team, with continued support from the wider RDA community.
It is planned that the centre will generate revenue from riding, vaulting and equine facilitated learning sessions, a community cafe, and hires as a training venue for riding clubs and pony clubs.
Following submission of the PAN, the charity is now in a three-month public consultation phase for the development of Equi-Power@Kildean.
Alongside RDA facilities, the disability access playground will be open to the public, as will the cafe - which will provide supported employment for people with disabilities) - and the Changing Places Toilet, plus access to the countryside for profoundly disabled individuals.
The board is also looking to bring on board trustees with capital fundraising expertise and project management expertise to support the project in coming months and will be recruiting.
David James, chair of Equi-Power said: “As part of our mission to deliver a leading RDA centre, we want to communicate openly with the local community.
“We are keen to understand how we can improve provision of disability services in Stirling and across the Forth Valley.
“I’d like to encourage as many people as possible to attend the public consultation, where they will get the chance to meet the team, ask questions and offer feedback.”
Service manager Amanda Namey added: “Recording the views of our participants and the wider public is hugely important – not only will it help shape the design of the centre and facilities, but it will also allow us to demonstrate the level of demand for RDA and disability services to the planning authority and major capital funders. This is key to getting the centre on the ground and expanding our service to those in need.”
More information and a consultation form can be found at https://www.equi-power.org/consultation.
Public consultation materials are also on display in the foyer at the Raploch Campus on Drip road, with pen and paper feedback options and a consultation box.
A consultation event will also take place tonight (Wednesday) from 6.30-8.30pm in rooms 4 and 5 at the Raploch Campus, with introductions from Equi-Power representatives and architects (ARC architects). The public can meet
the team, ask questions and have their views recorded.
