The Dumfries Town Centre Regeneration process does not consist of a single programme but a number of strategies and projects which will link together to achieve the greatest results.

These include :-

The Urban Design Strategy

The Council has agreed a comprehensive strategy to improve the physical conditions of the town centre and protects its unique historic character. The strategy sets the framework within which future development can proceed in a way that enhances the existing environment.

The strategy will have an important role to play in attracting inward investment, guiding future physical change and promoting appropriate high quality development.

Environmental Improvement Programme

This will improve streets in the town centre by improving surfaces, lighting and furniture.

Property Development Strategy

This strategy seeks to attract investment in the town centre's buildings by identifying and promoting local development opportunities and addressing local building issues. It also confirms the Councils commitment to assist third party development by using its Compulsory Purchase powers where appropriate.

Friars Vennel Improvement Programme

Improving Friars Vennel was one of the early priorities of the regeneration process. The Vennel is one of Dumfries's medieval streets which had fallen on hard times. A study was carried out by Solway Heritage in 2005. This recommended that the street should be made more pedestrian friendly and its surfaces improved. This resulted in a two phase scheme to repave the street. The Friars Vennel study is available in the document library.

Street lighting has been improved giving better illumination and increased pedestrian security after dark and the second phase of street surface improvements will start later in the year. This involves resurfacing with granite blocks and flush kerbs, to create a more pedestrian friendly environment.

Midsteeple Repairs

The 300 year old Midsteeple was in urgent need of repair. A detailed condition survey carried out in 2004 highlighted the need for major repairs to various parts of the building. A more detailed survey carried out as part of repair works to the south clock face revealed advanced decay in the spire which then had to be taken down in emergency operation.

The council gave the green light for a comprehensive repair scheme at a total cost of £2.3m. Work started in June 2007 and should be completed at the end of 2008. Work includes a complete refurbishment of the tower house and the installation of an accessible lift.

Dumfries Town Centre Housing Action Plan

The poor residential accommodation in the town centre has had a detrimental effect on many aspects of its operation and drives residents out of the town centre. Without residents, buildings are not maintained and the town centre can have a "ghost town" feel after dark. The council has agreed a Housing Action Plan which attempts to:-

• Create a more balanced mix of residents living in Dumfries Town Centre.
• Attract increased private sector residential investment in Dumfries Town Centre
• Bring back into use and improve existing town centre residential property
• Encourage the provision of services that meet the needs of particular groups
• Clarify the role of Houses of Multiple Occupation (HMO's), within the context of Town Centre housing

The council will also develop methods of ensuring that any subsequent development fits in with the character of the town and is of high quality.

Leisure Centre

DG One Leisure Complex was opened in May 2008. The swimming pool facilities feature a 25m x 8 lane main pool, 20m x 4 lane training pool and a 150m² leisure water area. These new facilities will allow us to host national short course swimming championships and training camps.

The training pool is ideally suited to teaching swimming lessons as the floor can be lowered or raised to create varying depths. The Leisure water area is fantastic for children and families and has a water jet propelled "lazy river" and interactive water features to compliment the two waterslides also available. High quality changing facilities are also available with spectator seating for 250, colour scoreboard and high specification competition timing system.

There is also:

• Multi Purpose Sports Hall (6 badminton court size).
• 80 station fitness suite.
• Dance Studio with sprung wood floor for group fitness classes
• Health suite with spa pool, steam room and sauna, drench showers and treatment room for a variety of sports and beauty therapies.