Church seeks first home in former hub now empty

Community: Baptists’ twin objective of finding base and reviving centre

A church congregation is hopeful it can secure a permanent home while reviving a disused community building.

Ellon Baptist Church has applied for a community asset transfer (CAT) for the Ythan Centre, which has lain empty since the new academy was opened in 2016.

Many community groups used the Station Road building but they relocated or dissolved when the campus opened.

The church, which has a regular congregation of about 70 people, has never had a permanent home since it was formed three decades ago and has to rent out different buildings in the town for its Sunday service and other groups.

On Tuesday, the Formartine area committee will discuss the proposed CAT, which it is recommended to approve.

Reverend William Butchart said the move would solve their problem while also helping to bring a perfectly good facility back into use.

He said: “This would give us a permanent place for our groups such as mother and toddlers and youth groups, and to hold our Sunday service.

“When the new school opened some of the groups were unable to relocate, many of which helped some of the most vulnerable people in the town. My hope is that most of them would be able to restart, which would be of huge benefit to Ellon.

“We’re a reasonably young church and have never had a permanent home.”

A report from planning officers has encouraged the committee to rubber-stamp the agreement.

It states: “By consolidating these venues into the one building, namely the Ythan Centre, it is anticipated that the activities and classes will see an increase in users due to the central location. This would also increase the footfall in the town centre.”

If approved, the council would lease the premises for £5,185 annually over a period of five years.

The church would also be responsible for maintenance and any repairs during the term of the lease.

Previously there had been discussions about bringing the facility back into use as an entertainment and gaming facility.

“My hope is that most of them would be able to restart”

NOT USED SINCE 2016: The Ythan Centre in Ellon’s Station Road