Demolition of former school set for 2020

Aberdeenshire Council is to proceed with plans to demolish the former Market Place School in Inverurie, with works likely to take place in early 2020.

The building was subject to an unsuccessful application for a Community Asset Transfer (CAT) by the Garioch Partnership, and a recent appeal decision by Scottish Ministers means that the Council can now proceed with demolition works.

The building has incurred significant holding costs for a number of years and the site remains strategically very important for the Council.

It opens up exciting opportunities to support the delivery of the Council Plan as well as ambitions for the wider town centre as part of the Council’s Workspace project.

Council officers have extended an invitation to meet with the Board of Garioch Partnership, to support the further development of their business case for a third sector hub in the town.

The current business case, independently assessed as ‘moderate to weak’ by the Reporter, was the main reason that both the Asset Transfer request and the subsequent appeal were turned down.

Officers remain keen that in partnership the plan for a third sector hub can be developed into a project which is clear and sustainable in the best interests of the community.

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