Plans for a major development aimed at keeping the wealth in an Angus burgh have gone on public display for the first time.
A 30-acre “gateway development” for Brechin as proposed by Dalhousie Estates went on display in the Mechanics’ Institute.
A proposal of application notice for the plans, which have scope for a supermarket and petrol station, has also been lodged with Angus Council.
The consultation was attended by Lord Dalhousie and the estate’s manager Richard Cook, who said they looked forward to hearing what residents and businesses would want from any development on the edge of town.
Community council representative Joy Mowatt said the prospect of a hotel for the town was interesting, as was as a nursing home as the council-run St Drostan’s House closed this year.
Project planner with Dalhousie Estates Mark Richardson said: “The estate have been looking at uses they could deliver on this site that complement existing allocations and businesses in Brechin.
“It’s not about more housing, more businesses, it’s about uses here and investment opportunities in Brechin.
“So we’ve arrived at options to consult with the people in Brechin and business owners so it’s early days.
“A mixed-use project would include a hotel, a nursing home and supermarket sized at redressing an issue we’ve got in Brechin, that 80% of its people are shopping outside Brechin.
“It’s predominantly to Montrose and Forfar and Arbroath, so we export our wealth. We speak to people who say ‘yes I go to the supermarket in Montrose and do my shopping, then I go into town and do everything else’.
“If we could capture that in Brechin, it must support the High Street.”
The firm has claimed the site, on land next to Brechin Business Park and Brechin Castle Garden Centre, will improve tourism, recreation and job opportunities. It already owns land around Brechin.
Mr Cooke said the proposed area, to the west of the business park, would occupy about 30 acres of land.
Mr Richardson said: “We’ve had a number of discussions with local businesses and lots of positive comments, but obviously people have aired concerns that’s perfectly understandable.
“It’s our responsibility to do something that’s good for Brechin.”