A six-figure Commonwealth Games development in Angus has been described as a “white elephant” and a “waste of public funds”.
Brian Boyd said the beach cafe revamp in Carnoustie has proven itself to be an “ill thought through and costly project” which has given “poor value for council tax payers”.
He said: “There was no business plan, basic questions like how much rent would be paid were not explored and the whole project was rushed, meaning the costs quickly rose from £200,000 to over £300,000.”
The leisure centre extension, which was approved by councillors without a business plan or prospective occupant, was designed to take advantage of the county’s role in the 2014 Commonwealth Games.
Angus Council initially struggled to secure a tenant before Madisons from Montrose eventually agreed to take on the cafe just days before the Barry Buddon shooting got under way.
Mr Boyd said it was “extremely disappointing” after it has now emerged that the rent agreement is £7,800 per annum – which is just 2% of the building’s value.
The independent councillor said it was a “prime example of how rushed projects, done in haste for sporting events, gives poor value for council tax payers”.
He said the ongoing row over the proposed £4.75m extension to the golf centre at Carnoustie Links – which has split the town – has left him worried that history will repeat itself.
“Now it seems Angus Council were unable to secure a tenant at a realistic market rate and are getting a measly 2% return,” he said.
“In the meantime, the iconic beach pavilion is boarded up and increasingly derelict – how much better could it have been if we had undertaken proper consultation and saved a historically important building?
“The irony is the SNP have just waived through another project at Carnoustie Golf Links that has also not been adequately consulted on and which will have cost near £8m by the time it’s finished.
“It is so important when we are dealing with public assets that we take our time to consult widely and get these projects right – I have real concern that if we rush ahead once again with a new restaurant complex on public land we will get poor value and – just like the beach pavilion – the impact on our historic golf clubs and local hotels will be severe.”
Mr Boyd said he was not against investment in the town and did not question what he described as “the excellent contribution made by Madisons café and their staff”.
He said: “But it is important that we get the right investment in the town – if Angus Council continues to use public assets to subside competition with our High Street we should not be surprised when the same High Street struggles.”
Carnoustie Golf Links Management Committee’s £4.75m project has divided the town with concerns being raised at the impact the new bar and restaurant would have on other businesses.
Facilities will include a bar, restaurant and private dining area overlooking the championship links.
A council spokesman said: “The availability of the café at Carnoustie, as well as the fantastic play park and group-funded skate park, has turned the beachfront area into a go-to destination for visitors and locals, both at weekends and through the week.”
