Aberdeenshire Council has pledged to spend more than £1million to bring a north-east listed building up to scratch.
Fraserburgh’s Dalyrmple Hall is one of the town’s oldest buildings and plays host to dozens of local groups which rely on it for meetings and events.
And Aberdeenshire Council has now pledged to spend big on the facility to refurbish and modernise the C-listed hall.
The decision was made at a meeting of the authority’s businesses services committee.
Local councillors yesterday welcomed the commitment.
Charles Buchan, speaking on behalf of himself and fellow town councillor Brian Topping, said: “We are delighted that the council has agreed to retain the Dalrymple Hall and that the need for investment in the building has been identified.
“The hall, as well as being Fraserburgh’s Town Hall, is one of Aberdeenshire’s best known arts centres.
“We hope that hall users will engage with us to make sure their views are heard. These improvements could greatly enhance our provision for arts and culture.”
The cash for the Dalyrmple Hall follows news that it will be the base for the Royal Conservatoire when it begins offering classes in the north-east.
Councillor Ian Tait added that a priority of the refurbishment works would be to enable the town’s Junior Arts Society (FJAS) to begin storing their props and costumes in the building again.
The group was forced to move its equipment out over health and safety fears.
“They now have to transport all their props to another location and then back again,” Mr Tait said.
“This needs to be sorted out soon and the head of property has assured me he will be looking to do this.”
Alice Irvine, FJAS secretary, said she could not comment on proposals for the hall until they had been officially formalised and presented to the group.
