Plans that could save a disintegrating Angus landmark have been revealed by a local businessman.
Grant Stewart, of Industrial Training Centre (Scotland) Ltd, has applied for a change of use of the iconic but dilapidated Arbroath water tower, and aims to transform it into a diving training centre.
The 1885 structure has been unused for more than 100 years, but Mr Stewart has devised a plan that could see it restored to its former glory if planning permission is approved.
A local councillor has welcomed the idea and said it could turn Arbroath into a “centre of excellence” in the renewable energy training industry.
Mr Stewart hopes to revamp the inside of the building, reinforce its inner structures with steel and create a new roof, while retaining the integrity and look of the outside.
His proposals include plans to use three water tanks, which could enable a range of training environments for commercial businesses, the emergency services and the military.
The project would be the second phase of a two-part proposal in the town, which would include the opening of another training centre at the Elliot Industrial Estate for which a change of use planning application has already been submitted.
Mr Stewart said: “It’s just an idea just now, and Angus Council own the building, but it has been an idea of mine for a long time and I have spoken with a lot of people about it.
“I’m trying to save a building that has been empty since 1902 and has become a haven for vandals.
“I’m proposing to create a training institute on the edge of Angus College and proposing to put water tanks back in and use them as water tanks.
“It’s a listed building and it’s such a beautiful building, but it has been sitting empty for so long this would bring it back in to use.”
The water tower was built in 1885 by the unemployed of Arbroath.
It was designed by Friockheim architect William Gillespie Lamond in the style of a faux medieval fortress with castellated red sandstone walls.
The structure was designed to provide the town with an adequate drinking water supply, but was only operational for around 20 years.
The use of the tower was discontinued following the provision of a water supply from Glenogil and the land surrounding the building was given to the town council for use as a park in 1937, a function it retains to this day.
Since its closure, the B-listed building has been used as an observation post by the Royal Observer Corps, but is one of almost 90 Angus properties that feature on the buildings at risk register, as revealed by The Courier on Saturday.
In May 2009 an external inspection found the building to be in good condition, but vacant and requiring a new use.
Mr Stewart added: “It is in a poor condition inside, but this could bring it back into proper use.”
Arbroath councillor Donald Morrison said the plans could see Arbroath become a destination for training for the relevant industries.
He said: “With the renewable industry growing every year there is a need for a more fully-trained and skilled workforce.
“Having previously met Mr Stewart to discuss his positive proposals for the water tower and the former units at the Elliot Industrial Estate, this would make Arbroath a centre of excellence in the renewable energy training industry.
“Similar to the oil industry training facilities in Montrose, those attending courses at the centres in Arbroath would boost the local economy, with many of the trainees hopefully staying in the town.
“Alternative uses for the former water tower are extremely limited as it is listed, so Mr Stewart’s plans, while maintaining the exterior of this iconic building, also saves it from further deterioration.”