Kinross Men’s Shed forced to wait for new home
There’s a spanner in the works for a Kinross group hoping to start working in new premises. Kinross and District Men’s Shed (KMS) have been held up moving into their new home due to structural issues.
KMS had bought the former Perth College UHI learning centre at Swansacre, Kinross with aid from community funding following months of negotiations.
The men’s group were set to move in this month, gaining autonomy, better electricity supplies and vital heating in the winter months.
However after initial investigations found a cracked wall and faulty foundations, Perth UHI now have to step in and carry out vital repairs before the group move in.
A spokesperson for Perth UHI said: “Perth College UHI was informed by Kinross Men’s Shed that, after their building survey, a crack was detected in one wall.
“Further investigation indicated that the foundations of the building would need to be repaired.
“Perth College UHI surveyors were on site on Friday, November 15 and are currently preparing a job specification which will enable us to put the building work out to tender.
“We are endeavouring to get this done as quickly as possible as we are aware that their current location is unsuitable.
“To that end, once the contractor has been appointed, we will work with the contractors and Kinross Men’s Shed to expedite the earliest possible entry date.
“Kinross Men’s Shed have been kept fully informed at each stage in this process and we will continue to work with them to ensure a timely solution.”
The facility was put up for sale on the open market in June by Perth UHI following its decision to close all its learning centres in Kinross, Crieff and Blairgowrie due to financial difficulties.
KMS put in an offer of £120,000, the asking price, in the summer but feared developers would succeed with higher bids.
Once moved in, the group hopes to operate with greater flexibility.