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We Need Your Help
The Kirk of St Nicholas, the Mither Kirk of Aberdeen, lies at the very heart of the city, just off Union Street. Although it is a notable ancient building filled with treasures, its once majestic presence has become hidden and unknown to new generations of Aberdonians. For some time, the best use has not been made of the building. This Project now represents both the challenge and the opportunity for the future. The Mither Kirk Project seeks to breathe new life into this ancient building; to give it a new beginning and in doing so, return it to the people of Aberdeen. The Mither Kirk Project is much more than just a simple conservation and restoration project. Following an extensive consultation exercise, the Mither Kirk Project is a response to the needs of the citizens of Aberdeen, local community groups, businesses and social enterprises, and ultimately reflects what they want and need in this building and its location. As well as being a visitor attraction and a place of worship, it will also provide much-needed spaces for concerts, fitness, dance and art. Its Café, run by Foyer Enterprise, will offer delicious, healthy food, whilst at the same time giving young people involved with Foyer, a new sense of self-worth, an ability to earn a wage, important skills for life and will help secure their future employment. There will also be a Community Kitchen where the most vulnerable in society can learn basic life skills, such as cooking and planning a healthy diet. Many local community groups and charities have told us of the lack of affordable office accommodation and meeting spaces in central Aberdeen. The Mither Kirk Project will provide these facilities to allow these groups to continue to grow, thus extending their valuable work and outreach in the city and beyond. The Project is underpinned by a sound business plan, which will ensure the new centre will be self-financing within one year of completion. There has already been an overwhelming positive reaction to the project, as noted by the exceedingly generous contributions made by the Aberdeen City Council and the congregation of the Kirk of St Nicholas. The total cost of the Project, including restoration, construction and fitting out of the interior, is £5.1 million. Of this, £2 million is already pledged, including an award from the Heritage Lottery Fund. Applications for a further support are underway, leaving a total of £3 million, as of August 2006, to be raised from charitable trusts and foundations, local businesses and individuals.
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“We make a living by what we get; we make a life by what we give.” “How far you go in life depends on you being tender with the young, compassionate with the aged, sympathetic with the striving and tolerant of the weak and the strong. Because someday in life you will have been all of these.” |
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