Ambitious plans to breathe new life into Carnoustie’s former Fairways Garage could move up a gear this week.
The art deco town centre landmark has lain virtually untouched since its council purchase almost 15 years ago, but new proposals have emerged which could lead to the near £300,000 redevelopment of first-floor flats.
With no private sector takers for a lease of the property despite hopes of a housing association deal emerging two years ago, Angus Council has now decided to take the lead in the scheme.
The plan would see the prime site leased by the council to its housing division under a £1-a-year 60-year deal for the department to invest six figures in the conversion of two existing flats into three one-bedroom homes.
Angus Council’s full meeting in Forfar on Thursday is being asked to give the green light to a joint report.
The old garage forecourt, two flats above and car park to the rear are held on the authority’s infrastructure services account.
”The flats above the garage forecourt were acquired some years after the car park to establish a property portfolio in the town centre which would be capable of further commercial development,” states the council report.
”The car park to the rear is well utilised and an important facility for the High Street businesses.
”There are currently 33 short-term spaces which run at 85% capacity.
”The building to the front of the site has received minimal maintenance works since acquisition in 1998, however increased funding will be required in future years to prevent deterioration to the building.”
In September 2010, councillors agreed the lease of the two flats to a subsidiary of Angus Housing Association, but that deal has finally fallen through after protracted negotiations.
Although structurally sound, the building will require significant work to complete the flats, including a new access stair and balconies to allow tenants to enjoy maximum benefit from the south-facing aspect of the building.
Housing officials hope the project could bring £75,000 of Scottish Government funding, leaving a net conversion cost of around £195,000.
The proposal is against the council’s open market leasing policy but officials say there seems little prospect of a private deal being struck.
”Given that the property, excluding the car park, has been marketed for an extensive period without success and to enable the proposed refurbishment and use as affordable housing, it is recommended that, exceptionally, the requirements of this policy be waived in favour of the proposed arrangements.”