Work has begun on the former Brechin Cricket Club social club in a £300,000 renovation programme.
Known locally as the “Crickety”, it is set to open in the new year under a different guise after local charity Brechin Buccaneers secured the necessary funding.
The funding was obtained from several areas, mainly Angus Rural Leader and DC Thomson.
The project gleaned a lot of support through local Crowdfunding and a number of other local trusts and organisations.
Located on the corner of Dalls Lane and Caldhame Place, the building had been vacant for several years and is in a state of disrepair.
Committee members Murray Johnstone and Grant Hutchison decided five years ago something had to be done about the eyesore and the idea to create a suitable building for the local neighbourhood for community use was suggested.
The project will provide welcome additional facilities to support many organisations, groups and residents while creating a community focal meeting point for many types of activities.
The building will have changing rooms, meeting rooms, multi-use spaces and a kitchen along with direct access to the Guthrie Park sports ground.
Costs of hire will be kept to a minimum to encourage use and support for the local neighbourhood. A community development worker will be employed on a part time basis to consult with the local community to deliver what they need.
The pavilion and grounds at Guthrie Park are utilised by local sports clubs including Brechin Buccaneers Cricket Club, Brechin City Youths Club, Guthrie Park Table Tennis Club, Crichit fitness group along with Andover Primary School with events involving Brechin Primary School cluster group and the recent Colour Run community event.
The Crickety will not only compliment but enhance and improve the facilities for these activities.
Grant Hutchison, trustee for the charity said: “We have worked with a number of specialists to ensure we can deliver benefits for the building and keep the running costs as low as possible.
“On behalf of the committee it is only right we recognise the many who have assisted us to get to this stage.
“We have been especially fortunate to have been introduced to Alastair Fitchett from A J Fitchett LLP. His belief, enthusiasm and drive has been instrumental in this achievement and his professional work has been of great benefit to the charity.
“The charity is also especially keen to thank everyone who has taken time to support the refurbishment from the many volunteers associated with the club to the contributors from the local community.”
The contract for the building works was awarded to local business Aaron Robertson Contractor.
Work has now commenced and is expected to take around 26 weeks to complete.
Brechin Buccaneers was formed in 2013 and are based at Guthrie Sports Ground.
It is primarily involved in cricket having evolved from the former Brechin Cricket Club which has played cricket at the venue since 1926.
