Conversations aimed at shaping the future of Kirriemuir are about to get under way in earnest in the latest of the area’s design charrettes.
Preparatory activity including workshops with local schoolchildren and a film-making team’s visit to the town centre have already paved the way for the Kirrie Talks programme based around the community hub in Bank Street.
Thursday is the first day of the charrette, part of a programme of interactive design workshops across Angus burghs which have aimed to bring public and stakeholders together with a design team to develop a community masterplan.
Similar events in Arbroath, Brechin, Carnoustie, Forfar, Montrose and Monifieth have prompted a host of ideas to enhance local communities in the future.
Community leaders hope success stories including the worldwide interest generated by the celebration of AC/DC frontman Bon Scott and the community-led turnaround which has restored the camera obscura in the Barrie Pavilion back to its proud place as a busy tourist attraction will be a springboard for the future.
A drop-in design studio, schools workshop and community networking opportunity will be part of the opening day programme, with the charrette due to continue into next week with a gathering ideas day on Tuesday and testing ideas sessions on Wednesday.
On Tuesday September 27 a report back programme will include an emerging ideas exhibition and the premiere of a film connected to the initiative.
A film team immersed itself in Kirriemuir in preparation for the charrette, with the WAVEparticle group compiling a range of short contributions which have been pulled together in what is known as a pecha kucha presentation, an idea that has proved effective in other burghs such as Monifieth.
A spokesperson said: “The format is a great vehicle for exchange, celebrating the existing activities and efforts in the area but also stimulating new opportunities, inscribing local knowledge at the heart of the charrette process right at the very start.”
Kirriemuir Heritage Trust, the DD8 Music community group and Kirrie Heritage Trust are among those already signed up to participate in the opening pecha kucha event.
The spokesperson added: “The response from the people that the WAVEparticle team met over their two days has been terrific and a 10-minute video has been edited to reflect the pre-charrette stage.
“This will be screened at the Kirrie Talks launch event and Postcards from the Future will also be on display.
“The charrette offers a number of opportunities for the public to get involved and have a say about the future of Kirriemuir town centre.”
