Space available at hotel site
Crieff residents were surprised to see a ‘for sale’ sign appear on the former Drummond Arms Hotel in James Square on Monday.
Drummond Arms Regeneration Company (DARL), the organisation tasked with mapping out the future of the building, said the opportunity is part of the continuing process to find a viable solution for the imposing town centre structure.
This month it is beginning a campaign focused on finding hostel operators, along with other organisations that would like to base themselves in the building as it forges ahead with preparing proposals for the site.
And it is hoped that the future of the iconic building could play an integral role in the resurgence of the town as a hub for the local and national arts and crafts sector.
DARL says there is growing support for the building’s development to include creative and collective workshop spaces, providing studios at affordable rents, along with exhibition, gallery, and retail space – as well as facilities which would offer education, training and employment.
It is envisaged that these would provide a means for small creative businesses to expand, share resources, and enhance and promote a strong artisan community in Crieff bringing in day-trippers and international visitors while expanding the economy through entrepreneurship and tourism.
DARL chair David McCann said: “The concept is being developed in collaboration and discussion with local creatives and it is clear that there is a growing demand for workshop spaces.
“Many artists from across the artistic spectrum have shown a strong interest in having a Crieff town centre collective workshop space and an outlet for displaying and selling their products as well as a high-end training facility in the creative arts.”