Friends of Tarlair officially sign lease for facility's pavilion building
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The Friends of Tarlair group has officially signed the lease for the lido pavilion at the former outdoor swimming pool.
With the £1.8 million funding secured to restore the Art Deco building the community organisation was able to sign the final document for it to be taken over.
The group is looking to bring the property back to its former glory and has commissioned Studio Octopi in partnership with Heritage Architecture to take on the restoration project.
Friends of Tarlair has been successful in securing a number of funding awards including £1.4 million from the Regeneration Capital Grant Fund; £367,209 from the Scottish Government Place Based Investment Programme and £71,000 from the Macduff Vision and Action Plan budget.
The work will see the pavilion turned into a community hub to be used by residents and visitors alike.
The application proposes an extension to the west of the main building and includes the demolition of the current extension which is not part of the original property.
This will be replaced with a new build unit which is more in keeping with the Art Deco aesthetic and will provide additional usable space.
The restoration of the swimming pool is not included and that would be progressed in a future phase.
Friends of Tarlair chairwoman Pat Wain said: "We are in the best place we have ever been since we set off to try to save this Art Deco gem as a community facility with the associated architectural interest, and the dramatic beauty that can be enjoyed when the structure is repaired.
"Studio Octopi, Heritage Architecture and consultants have been very thorough in ensuring the pavilion build returns to its original design with minor adjustments to make sure it fits with modern comforts, facilities and levels of safety.
"Although the lease has been prepared for the last year, the final signing was only appropriate when the full funding package was secured for the repair and restoration of the pavilion.
"Awards from the Regeneration Capital Grant Fund and the Place Based Investment Programme have helped us secure the full amount with grateful thanks to other funders who helped us secure our financial goal.
"The drawings have been accepted by the planning department and the team is working towards building standards, when the heritage repair and restoration contract will go out to tender.
"Work can then start when the appropriate contractor has been decided upon by Heritage Architecture and the rest of the team.
"Friends of Tarlair has looked forward to a positive outlook for a long time, so we are delighted to be in this position of ownership, which is a great place to launch ideas for the rest of the site, when the swimming pool, health, adventure and children's activities can be looked at with more vigour."
