Aviemore Village Hall expected to be knocked down
Plans to knock down Aviemore Village Hall and build 20 affordable homes in its place on the site are being recommended for approval.
The hall was put on the market for offers more than £400,000 around 18 months ago by the trust, who look after the community building.
Proceeds from the sale of the hall and its large car park, just off Grampian Road, should go some way to meeting the £760,000 public contribution towards the cost of community facilities in the new £11.5 million community school being built at Muirton.
The application by Lindsay Allan, of Keppie Design, Dochgarroch, Inverness, will be considered by members of the Cairngorms National Park Authority’s planning committee today (Friday) in Boat of Garten Community Hall.
Park planning officer Mary Grier has recommended approval for the hall, which dates from the 1950s, to be demolished and the new homes built.
She said: "The development is proposed on what is essentially a brownfield site in Aviemore.
"The building currently in place on the site is typical of a village hall of yesteryear and makes little contribution to the aesthetic enhancement of the site.
"The exterior of the building displays strong evidence of wear and tear and the decision by the community to put the site up for sale is an indication of acceptance that the existing structure is near to the end of its lifespan.
"Community facilities currently provided in the hall will shortly be provided within the new primary school development close to the site. "As such, it is appropriate to now consider alternative uses for the site."
The new building is proposed towards the front of the site, with car parking provision and most of the communal garden area located to the rear.
The main road frontage includes a three-storey central section.
Ms Grier states that the developers "sole intention is to first target an RSL (Registered Social Landlord) as the main developer and affordable homes provider".
The public hall was officially opened in April, 1957, by Mrs C. Richardson, of Abernethy.
