A landmark building in Brechin is to have a revamp as part of a £267,000 investment.
The Mechanics’ Institute will be given a makeover after Angus Council’s corporate services committee approved financial support of £59,000 for the project from the burgh’s common good fund.
The remainder of the work will be carried out thanks to a cash injection from the Brechin Townscape Heritage Initiative, subject to agreement from the funding partners.
Improvements to the exterior of the building will include repairs and repainting, lighting improvements and refurbishment of the clock and tower. The car park to the rear of the building will be resurfaced and provision made for disabled parking.
The institute’s fire escape is to be replaced to maintain health and safety standards.
Council spokesman on property matters Mark Salmond said, “I am delighted that the committee has agreed to the use of common good funding towards the restoration of this important building-a view supported by all the local elected members.
“This is an excellent example of how common good funds can be used to the benefit of the local communities for which they were intended.”
The project will also include the reinstatement of railings, removal of concrete paving slabs and repairs to stone wall and soft landscaping of various areas around the building. Two cherry trees in front of the institute will be removed as part of the refurbishment work.
The trees are reaching the end of their natural lives and the roots are causing damage to the surrounding surfaces.
The council says discussions will take place with interested parties regarding the improvements.
It is another boost for the town following last month’s announcement that six disused flats will be revamped after Angus Council successfully secured £100,000 from a Scottish Government allowance thought lost.
The injection from the Town Centre Regeneration Fund (TCRF) will be used to help redevelop properties at 2 Market Street.
The six-figure sum represents a slice of £912,630 that went begging at Christmas after an extended spending deadline for the money was missed.
Problems with the acquisition of the town’s former Flicks nightclub had led to the cut-off date being missed.