Plans approved for historic Kintore Town House revamp
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Kintore and District Community Council and Kintore charity, Action Kintore have welcomed the approval of plans to bring the ancient Royal Burgh’s 18th century Town House back into use for the benefit of the community.
Commenting on the approval of the Town House plans, Jamie Grant, chairman of Kintore and District Community Council, said: “We are delighted that Aberdeenshire Council has granted approval for Action Kintore’s plans to bring Kintore’s historic Town House back into use for the community.
"But, this is just the start.
"There will be a considerable amount of work to do, particularly in raising the funds to bring the plans to reality.
“The building of such a prestigious Town House must have been a magnificent statement of civic pride, when it was opened in 1747.
"In recent years the building has not been accessible to the public.
"The plans that have been approved are aimed at bringing the Town House back into use for the benefit of the local community.”
The iconic Town House has stood at the centre of Kintore for 275 years.
It was built by the then Earl of Kintore when he was elected as the Royal Burgh’s Provost.
Throughout its history the building has served many purposes as council chamber, court room, jail, school and police station.
Part of the building once served as a post office and shop.
Brian Johnstone, Chairman of Action Kintore commented: “As a community charity, we would like to record our gratitude to all the organisations and individuals who helped us to get the Town House plans to this stage.
"Debbie Anderson, chartered conservation architect at Lippe Architects, has passionately progressed an excellent design in conjunction with Aberdeenshire council planning department and Historic Environment Scotland to retain and preserve the full character of this historic building.
“Our sincere thanks go to all of the local contributors, including Aberdeenshire Council and the Architectural Heritage Fund, as, without their support we would not have this design to take forward for the community of Kintore and surrounding area.
“While this is a momentous step in the process, we are aware that there’s a lot of hard work ahead of us as we start the fundraising process to bring this ambitious project to reality. As a historic listed building, the plans are aimed at conserving the structure.
“Essential facilities such as stairs and a lift, for disabled access, are incorporated as glazed extensions, minimising the impact on the appearance of the Town House. The fabric of the original building will be otherwise unchanged, including the distinctive external double stairway and the ogee-roofed clock tower.”
“As one of the ten largest towns in Aberdeenshire, the reopening the Town House will provide Kintore with a prestigious venue for events. It will also bring life back into this historic building.”
Action Kintore was set up in 2009, as a community charity, with the initial aim to provide a place for young people in and around Kintore to gather.
In 2013, The Bothie – a purpose-built youth centre – opened its doors.
Staffed by a youth and community co-ordinator and supported by volunteers, it provides sessions for young people from primary school age through to secondary school.
