The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
Brexit left hub project feeling the pinch
Result of referendum and fall in pound’s value cost community hub £100,000
An Angus community project was left needing to find a six-figure sum due to the fall in the value of the pound after Brexit.
The construction cost of turning a former primary school in Friockheim into a community facility has increased by around a third in just over two years, from £905,000 to £1.2 million.
Work is due to start at the former Eastgate School site next month after the project’s committee had to approach charities and trusts again after the referendum result.
Among the donors has been the Aberbrothock Skea Trust who presented £2,500 to the project.
Chairman Dougie Pond said: “First of all we had a major delay as a result of Scottish National Heritage thinking it was a bat roosting site. It wasn’t, but that delayed the project for a year.
“Construction costs have gone up during the period, particularly Brexit has affected the costs quite a bit.
“A lot of the materials like wood and tiles come from the continent and with the pound dropping down the prices have gone up.
“Construction costs have gone up during the period, particularly Brexit has affected the costs quite a bit.
“I would think the fall in the pound’s value after Brexit has cost us more than £100,000 alone. We are extremely grateful for all the local charities and trusts that have given us further support.”
Forfar builders Andrew Shepherd Construction are poised to start work on the building next month. Lead consultants have been Brunton Design Studio in Carnoustie.
Friockhub will provide social and recreational facilities for a wide range of community groups and activities.
There will be a multi-purpose room, small business offices and a café, as well as meeting rooms, a nursery and a gym.
“We have a committed small group of people who have worked very hard on it,” Mr Pond continued.
“People are getting quite excited and also interested in seeing how the project will come along.
“We’ve had to work very, very hard to find the money.
“We’re not quite there yet, we’re about £100,000 short but we have some funding commitments in place.
“It will be an 18-month renovation project and we are hoping to open in the summer of 2018.”
Lady Fraser presented the donation on behalf of the Aberbrothock Skea Trust.
She said: “The Aberbrothock Skea Trustees are delighted to support this exciting venture which will bring very modern and useful community facilities to serve not just the village of Friockheim but much of central Angus.
“We commend the efforts of those involved with this project and wish the project every success.”