Badenoch Centre - Ionad Bhàideanaich developments completed.

The second phase of leisure and learning developments at The Highland Council’s Badenoch Centre - Ionad Bhàideanaich at Kingussie were officially opened to the public today by local Highland Councillor Gregor Rimell, Chairman of the Badenoch and Strathspey Area Education, Culture and Sport Committee

Works were completed by Contractors Robertson Construction Ltd. to develop the upper floor of the Badenoch Centre into a youth facility with integrated library and learning centre with an additional meeting room. Installation of a new lift has made the facility accessible to all.

At the opening, Councillor Rimell said: “The Badenoch Centre began when local people got together to work for the development of the Victoria Hall. We all owe them a debt for their energy and initiative. After the hall caught fire, The Highland Council took up the challenge.

“The new library here is very exciting and a great resource in a rural area. I should like all locals to enjoy it and to let me know if they have difficulties getting here. I am thinking particularly of Newtonmore residents whose library was closed. I want them to see the difference. More and more, nearby communities will be sharing facilities, because the financial investments that have to be made need more people to use the facilities.

“The success of the Badenoch Centre relies much on local youth, and it is great that young people now have their own area here. The excellent work of the Learning Centre will also benefit from new facilities and equipment. And we have a  lift so there is access for everyone.”

Eleanor Somerville, Highland Council’s Area Libraries Officer (Nairn, Badenoch & Strathspey) said: “In addition to having a fantastic new library and learning facility for the area we are also introducing the first self-issue system in Highland Libraries. Located on the ground floor of the Badenoch Centre the self-issue system - along with a selection of books  can be used when the library is closed - to issue, renew or return  books.

“People’s Network public library computers are available for using the internet or accessing the wide range of library e-resources which form a personal reference library.  Classes and individual learning opportunities will also be provided. Readers can browse in the bright new library area which has a great stock of books, audio books and DVD’s available for loan.  Library Assistants Hazel Dallas or Kathryn Main will be on duty to help with queries.

“Young library users have not been forgotten and there is a modern and welcoming children’s area which has an attractive range of titles for children of all ages. The new furniture is just the right height and there are a couple of really attractive rugs to make it even more enticing for little ones.

“A public survey of library opening hours has been carried out and analysed to gauge users thought on required opening hours and a new increased timetable devised.  Thanks to everyone who took the time to let the library know what hours they wanted.  The new library opening hours will come into operation from Tuesday 26th September.”

Ron Mercer, Chairman of the Badenoch Learning and Resource Centre Committee said: “Badenoch Learning and Resource Centre are delighted to be working in partnership with the Highland Council Libraries and are looking forward to the future. The courses available from the Learning Centre include short taster sessions, online study, ECDL, Advanced ECDL, Food Hygiene, recreational subjects, literacy and numeracy as well as advanced courses through the UHI. In addition the Centre is able to provide facilities for business training such as video conferencing, smart board and data projection.”

The new opening hours of the Badenoch Library are Mondays and Thursdays 1-5pm and 6-8pm; Tuesdays 10am-1pm; and Wednesdays and Fridays 10am-1pm and 2-5pm.

These developments will enhance the existing facilities at the Centre which include, a servery off the reception area, changing rooms, office, and 76m2 fitness room. The multi-purpose hall can accommodate three badminton courts and is acoustically lined so that the hall can be used for dances, concerts and drama productions.

The second phase of works at the Badenoch Centre cost £380,000 and were funded by The Highland Council and the Scottish Executive’s Rural Challenge Fund which was secured by the Badenoch Learning and Resource Centre Committee.

The first phase of the £1.7million Badenoch Leisure Centre and community facility was opened on Saturday 6th December, 2003 and replaced the former Victoria Hall which was destroyed by fire in August, 1999. Funding for the first phase developments was provided by The Badenoch Community Project supported by the local communities, The Highland Council, sportscotland Lottery Fund’s Sports Facilities Programme, Moray, Badenoch and Strathspey Enterprise, and the balance by insurance.

For further information on leisure activities at the Badenoch Centre contact Paul MacArthur, Acting Leisure Centre Manager on tel: 01540 662485.
 
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