PICTURES: Major plans will ‘future-proof’ Christian outdoors centre in Cairngorms
Plans are in the offing for a major redevelopment which will ‘future-proof’ the Abernethy Trust centre by Nethy Bridge.
The proposals are for alterations and extension to the Christian outdoors centre and include the erection of four accommodation blocks and an office block as well as a new dining and catering hall and covered walkway.
Ed Metcalfe, chief executive of Abernethy Trust, states in the application: “The development will allow the centre to strengthen and expand their school residentials programme, encouraging the next generation to safely interact with, and learn within, the great outdoors.
“At the same time the more flexible accommodation will allow a greater variety of individuals, families and groups to use the centre.
“The re-purposing of some accommodation for their trainee instructor and gap year courses, will also allow the charity to attract, recruit and retain talented trainee instructors and gap year participants.
“These courses equip young people with important life skills, nationally recognised qualifications and help them grow and develop.
“The works will facilitate consolidation and expansion of operations at the centre, safeguarding its position as an asset in Scotland, and in the local economy and community.”
Pend Architects state that the project offers a ‘viable and impactful approach to future-proofing the Nethy Bridge Outdoor Centre’.
Planning permission was obtained by the Abernethy Trust to develop the Courtyard Project in 2017.
The proposals sought to create new accommodation for the centre housing up to 44 new beds as guest accommodation.
However, the work was never carried out due to several reasons.
The applicants state: “This was partly the effect of the Covid-19 pandemic which caused the centre to close, severely impacting on the funding and income required to carry out the works.
“The needs of the trust have subsequently changed and a development of this nature is no longer seen as the correct way forward for the outdoor centre to best facilitate its guests.”
The application has been called in by the Cairngorms National Park Authority for determination.
More on the application can be found by clicking here
