Push for Mill o’ Mains pavilion to be rebuilt

A COUNCILLOR is urging his colleagues to support spending money to replace the community pavilion at Mill o’ Mains.

North East Labour councillor Brian Gordon has asked for a special item to be placed on the agenda for Monday’s meeting of Dundee City Council’s neighbourhood services committee.

Speaking to the Tele, Mr Gordon said he felt it was very important for councillors to discuss the future of the pavilion as quickly as possible.

The building was completely destroyed in a fire last summer.

Since then, community activities have been held in an old people’s home in the area.

However, community l eaders have said that situation can’t continue indefinitely.

Mr Gordon said: “I have asked for this item to be included on Monday’s agenda as a matter of urgency.

“Sadly, a decision has been made by the council administration not to rebuild the destroyed Mill o’ Mains pavilion on the basis of cost and the recurring running costs, even though it is predominantly run by volunteers.

“I find it incredible that, as a resident and elected member for the area, this decision was relayed to me by email after being denied attendance by the city council at the steering group set up to oversee the way forward for the pavilion group.”

Mr Gordon said he was very concerned that, in recent months, the council had agreed to spend millions of pounds on projects including the Regional Performance Centre for Sport at Caird Park, a new community centre at Menzieshill, £2 million on property repairs at the east wing of City Square and £183,000 for a shop refit in Castle Street.

He said: “I feel that replacing the community pavilion at Mill o’ Mains is of paramount importance.

“Before it was destroyed by fire, this centre was the heart of the community.

“Many community events were held there and it was used by local residents of all ages.

“Mill o’ Mains has recently undergone major regeneration and it’s crucial it has a community centre fit for purpose.

“I don’t understand how so much money can be spent on other community projects but there appears to be no money in the pot to rebuild our centre.”

Jim Malone, of Mill o’ Mains Tenants and Residents’ Association, said: “The pavilion was at the heart of the community.

‘‘It catered for everyone in the community seven days a week.”

North East councillor Gregor Murray said: “All the ward councillors are involved in a group looking at what can be done for the community.

“This was split into what could be done in the very short term, the medium term and the long term.” Ourvoice PAGE 16

Diggers moved in to clear away the rubble after the fire last year.