A north-east hall which was famous for hosting local auctions could be transformed into a combined shop and cafe.
The Templar Hall in Strichen, which is in the village’s High Street opposite the Masonic Lodge, closed as the site of the Strichen sales earlier this year.
Now under new ownership, plans have been tabled to refurbish the hall and reopen it to the local community.
In a planning application lodged with Aberdeenshire Council developers Baxter Design from Old Deer said the interior and exterior of the building would be refreshed.
The new business will be partly retail and partly dining with the option of alcohol being served and takeaway facilities.
Modifications to the building include “erection of gate and additional boundary screening treatments, erection of advertisement and directional signage, reinstatement of windows including change of paint colour and minor works to the hall’s facade”.
To complete the refurbishment, a new flue will be installed as well as solar panels and a canopy roof.
Under the new plans the two rooms immediately inside the main entrance will be set aside for retail space as well as half of the main hall. The remainder of the hall will be given over to a cafe and a central till with serving space.
The rear of the building will house public toilets, a staff office and kitchen. It is understood the main stage from the auction hall could be used for live music and events.
The planning application is currently being considered by council planners at Woodhill House. The proposal is open for public comment until Monday, August 1 and a statutory decision deadline has been set for the end of August.
The auction house hosted its final sale in December following 30 years of roups in the village.
Auctioneer Kenneth Tait – known locally as Kenny – stepped down after more than 20 years in the role.
