Former court doors to open for consultation on building’s future

The doors of Arbroath Courthouse will be opened next week to give locals another chance to voice their opinion on its future.

Arbroath Courthouse Community Trust (ACCT), the group bidding to take over the High Street property, which has been closed since 2014, is updating its business plan to help support fundraising applications to a range of charitable organisations.

Consultants Community Enterprise Scotland, who formed the original business plan, are holding a one-day community consultation at the courthouse on Thursday, from 10am to 6pm.

“This is an opportunity to express your views about how the courthouse could play its part as a vital town centre community facility, owned and run by the community,” an ACCT spokesman said.

“The location for this consultation is the street level shop unit currently being used as part of the challenging exhibition Every Thought There Ever Was.”

The main court building was the former council chambers and the adjoining building was originally the meeting place for the Arbroath merchants.

Both buildings are listed and have been described as having “significant architectural importance” to Arbroath’s heritage.

“ACCT would welcome your views as part of the update to the business plan,” the spokesman added.

The Scottish Court and Tribunal Service previously said it was supportive of ACCT’S aim to redevelop the building but it also sought assurances the group could raise the working capital to deliver a sustainable future for the courthouse.