Fresh proposals to transform a landmark Blairgowrie building into a community hub have been drawn up.
The ambitious plans for the former Hill Primary School which would cost nearly £5 million have just been presented to the council by the group of volunteers which is the public face of the project.
Following extensive consultation with local people, a number of elements identified have been incorporated into the plan. These include a cinema, heritage and print museum, arts and crafts studio, play centre and caf.
Other suggestions which were deemed not to be financially viable or beneficial in other ways and have been rejected included a band room, a climbing wall, a hostel for visitors and a theatre.
“This final concept requires that the two lower buildings on the site be demolished, allowing us to concentrate our efforts on retaining the heritage building for the town,” said a spokesman for the Ericht Trust.
“All the facilities we have selected can be accommodated in this building or in the grounds.
“The Ericht Trust will be applying for a three-year licence for the school buildings in order to apply to the funding bodies principally the Heritage Lottery and the Big Lottery for the money to complete the project.
“The licence agreement will contain an option to buy the premises at any time during the three years once a promise of funding is secured.
“To help us do this we have appointed Ron Inglis (cinema and arts consultant) as a project director. Ron has extensive experience of cinema and arts projects, including the Birks Cinema in Aberfeldy, and, more recently, he has been project manager with Campbeltown Community Business, where £3 million has been raised for the restoration of the historic Picture House.”
The trust is now applying for a start-up grant from the Heritage Lottery to appoint a heritage consultant, while Mr Inglis will undertake the first stage of an application for Heritage Lottery Funding (HLF) and make presentations to other funders and agencies in due course.
“The revised cost for the project is now £4.8m,” the trust spokesman said.
“The trustees would like to thank the professional team who have contributed so much over the last two years. In total, we have raised more than £50,000 towards all the professional fees and have received more than 160 hours of free professional help from local experts.”
The Hill Primary site has now been empty since 2009 and although it is for sale on the open market, no bids have been received.
The Ericht Trust was formed to tackle two major issues: an abandoned and rapidly deteriorating historical landmark and to improve community facilities in a growing town.
Details of what is envisaged are available online at www.theerichttrust.co.uk and, in Blairgowrie, in the library and at the One Voice Community Office.