New housing lined up for former homeless hostel in Aviemore
Long-delayed plans to overhaul a social housing block in Aviemore which has ‘endemic problems’ have finally been lodged.
There have been calls for many years for the replacement of Morlich Court - still better known to many as Torr Lodge.
Now owners Cairn Housing Association have come forward with housing plans for the former homeless hostel.
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Housing association chiefs pledged improvements in 2018 after taking over the property.
Cairn has applied for the demolition of the building and erection of eight semi-detached and six cottage flats.
Agents Trail Architects state in their 33-page design submission: “The client has previously conducted multiple feasibility studies to explore different possibilities for converting the existing building.
“However, it was found that due to its current plan configuration and construction, a conversion was not sensibly viable.
“The building has not been in full occupation for a number of years and is not fit for purpose in its current state.”
Torr Lodge was originally constructed as a YMCA hostel and later converted into self-contained units by Haven Housing Association in the 1990s.
It is now under the ownership of Cairn Housing Association and was most recently occupied as residential housing.
Perth-based Trail Architects state in their conclusion for the new build: “The central and well-connected location of the site allows for the opportunity to create a very special environment, providing unique and well-designed housing to area in need of more affordable housing stock.”
Currently, the site is occupied by the U-shaped building.
The existing building is clad in timber and render, with a steeply pitched brown tile roof.
Three options initially came forward for the redevelopment of the site and tenants were encouraged to provide feedback.
The housing association has gone with the proposal to demolish Morlich Court and rebuild - the cost given several years ago for this project was £3.27 million.
Cairn said then the scheme would receive around 60 per cent funding from the Scottish Government, with the remaining £1,308,000, or £59,454 per home, paid for by them.
This option was the most expensive for Cairn but was thought to be the only option that would significantly improve the standard of homes available given concerns over the long-term viability of the existing homes.
Another option costing around £882,500 had involved upgrading the block.
The work included upgrading kitchens, bathrooms, electrics, heating systems and insulation and to redecorate.
It would also have had to address problems with dampness and mould and asbestos, and require improvements to paths and landscaping, general repairs and meeting higher modern day energy efficiency standards.
The application has been called in and will be determined by the Cairngorms National Park Authority’s planning committee.
