The community of Laurencekirk has been given more time to develop a business case for community use of the former Mearns Academy site and playing fields.
Councillors on Policy & Resources Committee delayed a decision to market for sale the former Mearns Academy buildings including the leisure centre and playing fields until April 2016, providing time for the local development trust to deliver a robust business case and undertake full consultation with the local community.
The decision follows local pressure for the development of community facilities in Laurencekirk. The former school site has lain empty for over 12 months since the new £28million school was opened.
Chair of Policy and Resources Committee Cllr Martin Kitts-Hayes said: “We are listening to local views and are very aware that there is a lot of interest and enthusiasm for identifying the best use of the site for the benefit of the community.
“We are keen to give the community an appropriate amount of time to turn their ideas into something that can be delivered and sustained in the long-term.
“It should be based on local need, and identify potential funding streams as part of that process. We’re open to their ideas and hope that this delay in marketing the site will give them the time they need to turn their ideas into a robust business case.”
Vice-Chair of Policy & Resources Committee Cllr Richard Thomson added:
“This is a fantastic opportunity for the community to come together and create proposals for a use of the site that meets their needs.
“With further constraints on public sector funding on the way, we welcome the entrepreneurial spirit of communities who come to us with practical ideas that can be supported by a business plan and identified funding streams.”
Councillors approved a recommendation to declare the former Mearns Community Centre as surplus which will be marketed for sale after the completion of the extension to Laurencekirk Primary School.