Cash helps Strathpeffer Pavilion bid move forward
A STEERING group looking to provide a future for the historic Spa Pavilion at Strathpeffer has secured funds for a feasibility study for its future.
Opened in 1881 by the Countess of Cromartie the pavilion has been a hub of entertainment and social gatherings in the community.
Most of the last century it had a checkered history and was restored in 1960 as a licensed dance hall and concert venue when it became hugely popular.
The building was then acquired by a hotel group and fell into disrepair before being bought by Highland Council who passed it on to the Scottish Historic Buildings Trust which is the current owners.
The SHBT masterminded a restoration project which was completed in 2004 and leased it to the council until 2020 as a venue for performing arts, dances, conferences, weddings, exhibitions and other events.
The pavilion is now managed by High Life Highland (HLH) on behalf of the council.
The Strathpeffer Pavilion Community Steering Group (SPCSG) has now secured a grant from the Scottish Land Fund. Thsi will be used to pay for a feasibility study, which will be used as the basis of another application to the Scottish Land Fund in early 2019 to purchase the building on behalf of the community.
An open day was held last week, providing a chance to see how plans had progressed following the various community consultations.
Possible additional uses for the pavilion were presented, including a renewed emphasis on conferences, events for visitors, and a community venue.
The SPCSG is also in the process of recruiting a management board to work with HLH in the event that the community purchase is successful.
SPCSG co-chairman Daryn Lucas said: “The past few months have been very exciting for Strathpeffer Pavilion as we have made significant progress towards securing the future of this famous local building."
He added that the group is keen to hear from people with experience in finance, hospitality or facilities management who would be interested in joining the management board. Contact details can be found on SPCSG's Facebook page”.
A spokesman for High Life Highland said: “HLH has been invited by the community group to enter into discussions regarding the continuation of its role managing and operating the site should the building transfer into community ownership.”
