New lease of life for old Huntly department store
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A HUGE step has been taken in bringing one of Huntly's most loved buildings back to life.
Scaffolding has been removed from around No 30 the Square, revealing the extensive replacement stonework on the 150-year-old structure.
Carolyn Powell from the Huntly Development Trust said: "Some time back in its history the building was painted white.
"But when sandstone is painted it retains water which ends up destroying it.
"Replacing all the damaged stone has been a huge job, but we think it looks great.
"The response has certainly been incredibly positive.
"People are seeing it as a real landmark moment for the town."
Having bought the former Cruickshanks department store nearly four years ago, the development trust is renovating the 1284m² building both inside and out.
When finished, hopefully about 12 months from now, their plans for it include a part-time cinema, a café and much more besides.
Explaining why the trust set out upon the £3.5million project to refurbish and reopen the building, Carolyn said: "Cruickshanks closing in 2018 was a massive blow. It sold so many things and had been right at the centre of the town since 1875.
"Nobody wanted it lying empty but it was hard to see who else was going to take it on."
The cinema will have retractable seating so the space can be used for shows, exercise classes, or whatever else local folk feel like getting involved with.
As well as being available for socialising, the venue will also be on offer for local businesses and people who currently work from home.
Desk space will also be available to rent by the month, day or even the hour.
Meanwhile, fast-fibre broadband has already been fitted at No 30 the Square – a big help to an area beset with unreliable internet connections.
Carolyn said: "There are a lot of positive things going on at the moment.
"We are a beautiful town with beautiful old buildings.
"It's important that people can see Huntly as somewhere to visit, meet others and do business."
