Ambitious proposals have emerged for the demolition of Brechin’s former Damacre centre and redevelopment as affordable housing.
The well-used facility was closed in early 2016 following the opening of the town’s £26million community campus, incorporating a new Brechin High School.
But a petition was launched to retain it amid concerns among representatives of around 20 user groups that the new building would have insufficient space to accommodate their needs.
The new campus has proved a busy facility and Angus Council property chiefs have drawn up a plan for ten new homes for rent.
A report going before communities committee councillors on Tuesday confirms the availability of the site was circulated to all of the council’s directorates, with no takers.
The market value of the site has been put at £100,000.
In a report to members, the council’s head of technical and property services Ian Cochrane is recommending the centre should be declared surplus to requirements and cleared for the development of the two and three-bedroom homes.
“Designs and costing for the proposed affordable housing development have now been completed,” he said.
Officials say there are no restrictions to the site’s future use and the new proposal involves the creation of ten houses for rent, which will remain within the council’s stock.
The authority projects that around 400 new homes could be delivered over the lifetime of its 2017-22 Strategic Housing Investment Plan to alleviate the shortage of affordable housing across the district.
“A crucial element in helping to deliver the target is having land in the appropriate location, where development costs are affordable and achievable.
“The council will work with partners to ensure good, quality affordable housing is delivered on such sites,” adds the committee report.
