Further transformations are afoot at Brechin City Hall, where volunteers hope footfall will reach new heights in 2019.
Brechin City Hall Users Group (BCHug) say almost 12,000 people walk through the doors last year and are hoping for even more success this year to allow them to continue their revamp.
The group took over the running of the hall from Angus Council in May 2016, after the community rallied to save the popular facility following the creation of Brechin Community Campus.
The 19th century grade-B listed building was fitted with new windows last autumn and major masonry repair work was carried out by Angus Council as part of their agreement to support BCHug’s running of the hall.
New interior lighting has been installed, with other equipment already added and further improvements planned.
Chairman Ron Stewart said: “2018 was an incredibly busy year for us, not just in terms of bookings but also behind the scenes.
“Between our team we tallied up around 450 hours of cleaning, the equivalent of nearly 19 days.
“It made it all worth it when we were awarded charitable status last spring, which allows us to access different grant schemes in the future to support our ambitious plans.”
The group was recently awarded funding from the Angus Leader programme for their stage lighting and theatre curtain project.
“Our next major project for 2019 will be to relocate the ladies toilets within the hall to a much more suitable and larger space,” said Mr Stewart.
“This is an area we know users have wanted us to improve since taking on the hall. We are currently undertaking a feasibility study into the various options to transform our use of the space.”
Mr Stewart also appealed for new members to get involved on the BCHug management committee.
Anyone interested can email mail@brechincityhall.org.
Angus Council communities convenor, Mark Salmond said, “Working with the Brechin City Hall Users Group means the hall has a new lease of life that compliments the other facilities in the town.
“BCHug have embraced community empowerment and taken the opportunity to run and control the building, and are doing a fantastic job.
“This energetic attitude shows just what can be achieved when positivity is supported to succeed and we look forward to supporting BCHug as they grow and make a positive difference to their town”.
