Local group ‘upbeat’ about venue’s future
THE community group which manages a busy local venue in Catrine says it’s upbeat about the future of the facility – despite a report raising warning flags about the building.
The A.M. Brown Institute (AMBI building is managed by the Catrine Community Trust (CCT) under an agreement which East Ayrshire Council (EAC) agreed to extend last year.
A progress report on EAC’s property management plan, considered by members of the local authority’s cabinet this week, reveals that the AMBI has been given “red” status, meaning it is deemed to be “underperforming”.
Included in the report was a mention that the main hall of the building has recently been forced to close due to concern at the condition of the roof.
It also added: “No significant investment had been undertaken to the property as the long-term future is not established.
“Further investigations are being undertaken to determine the extent of the issue and the cost of repairs.”
Stuart Nelson, CCT’s administrator, said he’s hopeful it’s an issue that can be resolved soon.
He said: “It was CCT that flagged it [the roof] up with EAC, and then the guys came in to have a look.
“As part of the management agreement we’ve got with the council for the building, the [East Ayrshire] leisure trust is responsible for the maintenance and repair of the fabric and structure of the building.
“We’re hoping this will be sorted as soon as possible.”
Despite the council report, Stuart said he is optimistic about what the future holds for the village and for the building.
He added: “In the last year, the use of the AM Brown has developed a little bit in the context that it will be a longer term plan to sort things out.
“It’s going to take a few years to build things to how we want them to be.
“In the last year we’ve had the larder established, and that’s well used, and the trust has set up a couple of classes that are running quite well.
“It’s important to note that the whole building isn’t shut, just the hall.”
He continued: “We’re always looking to put on anything we can in the building and we’re planning to arrange things for the kids in Catrine for during the Easter holidays that won’t be too far away.
“Once we hear back from the community on what they might want from the building, that will go towards our plans to look into funding opportunities, because you’ve always got to provide a plan for what your vision is.
“If anyone is interested in taking any ideas forward for the building then they can get in touch with us by contacting us on social media.”