Proposals for a “21st Century” facelift in a town centre have been revealed.
A public consultation will soon begin over plans to bring Kirriemuir Square up to speed as a “light and airy” tourist destination.
A meeting of the Kirriemuir Conservation Area Regeneration Scheme (CARS) steering group welcomed planners to a meeting at the Lesser Town Hall.
Landscape services officer Mike Loftus gave a presentation on features proposed for the square, including a new bus stop, landscaping that would show off a statue of AC/DC rocker Bon Scott proposed by local campaigners, and a timeline of Kirrie’s history.
New “vandal-proof” benches akin to the seating in Forfar town centre would be installed.
Mr Loftus revealed plans to “enhance the centre of Kirriemuir”, with as much community participation as possible.
“The idea is to get the community involved and have historical depictions etched into the surroundings,” he said.
Councillor Jeannette Gaul said the redesigned centre could “bring visitors to the town”.
She said: “I have to say it’s very well done and it would bring Kirriemuir into the 21st Century.”
Group member Paul Fretwell of Kirriemuir Heritage Trust said: “I think as a general approach it’s great but there are just some things that need to be ironed out some (existing) design elements in the square, the art deco and the contemporary, need to gel together.”
Community councillor Cathy Stephenson asked if the bus stops proposed could echo those in some Fife towns and be of more solid construction, and also if the Christmas tree would be moved by new elements in the Square.
The meeting heard police had concerns about transparency regarding CCTV cameras and the prospect of urination in hidden areas, but this would be looked into.
Concept images are yet to be finalised but will appear in The Courier as soon as they are available.
Meanwhile, Angus Council built and natural environment manager Roy Madden gave an update on the progress of properties which have already applied for the CARS scheme.
Kirriemuir was among several sites picked for up to £645,000 from the Scottish Government, through CARS, a year ago.
A long-term priority the rescue of the deteriorating Airlie Arms Hotel on St Malcolm’s Wynd will finally be granted funding for roof repairs after it emerged a buyer has been found for the property.
Mr Madden said verbal agreement with its current owner has been reached but not put in writing, due to concerns over whether or not funding would still be available.
Other awards will fund improvements to properties in the town’s conservation area which are of architectural or historical interest and are wholly or partially vacant.
Other priority projects are the retail and residential property at 1-3 Roods, the warehouse at the back of Ogilvy’s Close, and the former church property Glengate Hall.
Project officer Karen West gave an update that works at the Glengate are going well, and planning applications are due for the Roods work soon but no progress has been made at Ogilvy’s Close.