Council confirms demolition of former swimming pool building, Portree
The Highland Council has confirmed that it is proceeding with the demolition of the former swimming pool building in Portree.
Central Demolitions of Bonnybridge have been awarded a £50,000 contract to remove the building and work is due to start imminently.
The Council had been asked by Portree and Braes Community Council to suspend demolition pending an independent survey and until interested parties have had the opportunity to present plans for possible uses of either the building or its site. The Community Council also suggested that the land concerned should be returned by the Council to the KGV Playing Field.
The requests were considered by senior councillors, including the four local Ward members and senior officials, who came the conclusion that the demolition should proceed as previously agreed and the land should remain in the Council’s ownership for a future use which will best benefit the local community,
It was determined that no new information had come forward that would justify the significant costs involved in delaying or stopping the contract. It was also noted that there had been extensive informal and statutory consultation over future community/sporting facilities in Portree at the time of the planning of the new community High School.
A spokesman said: “The Council is clear that demolition and redevelopment represents the best way forward in terms of future opportunities for this key site in Portree. The local community will be fully consulted over any future use of the vacant site.”
The old swimming pool in Portree has lain vacant since the new Portree High School was opened four years ago [apart from temporary storage in a section of the building by a local voluntary organisation]. A condition survey was carried out in 2010 which indicated that there were estimated repair costs of £715,000 required on the property. This figure does not include the costs that would be required to alter the building to any future use.
In December 2011, funding from the Vacant and Derelict Land Fund (VDLF) for the demolition of derelict buildings became available from the Scottish Government. Local Members were consulted over this building in February 2012 and agreed that Officers should proceed to demolish the building using VDLF funding.
Tenders were obtained and a contract was let. The start on site was delayed due to service disconnections but the contractors were ready to start on site in July 2012. This was postponed at the Council’s request until a Ward Business Meeting was held on 14 August to allow Local Members to discuss local concerns over the demolition contract. Local Members confirmed at this meeting that the demolition should proceed. The contractor has mobilised his resources and is due to start on site this week. The abortive cost is estimated to be £13,000 including fees if the Council does not proceed with this contract.