PICTURES: Bid to bring Dingwall Town Hall back to centre of community life with £500,000 repair as spotlight returns to venue that once famously hosted The Beatles
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An iconic Ross-shire building that famously played host to The Beatles is set for badly needed repair work with a view to bringing it back into full use as an asset for the local community.
Dingwall Town Hall is in line for a £500,000 investment to repair a leaking roof that has damaged the interior of the building.
Last week, newly re-elected Dingwall and Seaforth committee chairman, Councillor Graham Mackenzie, spoke of his desire to see a strategy hammered out for the county town to guide development for decades to come.
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He voiced delight that work is scheduled to breathe new life into the building at the heart of the town.
Issues with the roof have meant it was too much of a risk to bring it back into full use.
The multi-use venue was once home to film screenings, theatre performances, pantomimes, concerts and indoor markets.
It was used to host the Mod and Dingwall’s Highland fling – showcasing a range of performers as a visitor attraction.
Years of decay led to a leaky roof damaging the upper Town Hall, which contains a large auditorium.
Despite the facility still hosting the museum and more recently the Newton Room – a place to encourage the study of science, technology, engineering and maths – many still regard it as underused.
Locals have for years been calling for a return to its former glory to become a key part of community life again.
Ongoing survey works revealed a need for significant capital investment in the property.
A report states: “This is to ensure that the building fabric does not deteriorate further and adversely impact upon its usage. Over £500,000 of essential works have been identified with the roof and associated works having an urgent pressing need.”
Scottish Government funding through the place based investment programme came to the rescue because the cost of work “to ensure the building is wind and watertight” was likely far beyond the council.
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In July, planning and listed building consent was granted. It is hoped work lasting approximately 20 weeks will start this month.
It will concentrate primarily on the roof, repointing of stonework, replacement of rotten timbers, and overhauling the existing rainwater goods and external painter work.
Subject to approval of the report, a proposed start date of September 5 is anticipated.
Speaking on behalf of High Life Highland which runs the facility, chief executive Steve Walsh said: “It is great news that funding has been secured to start works on such an important and historic building in Dingwall. High Life is looking forward to working with colleagues in the council to progress the project.”
Councillor Sean Kennedy said: "This is very welcome news for Dingwall. The Town Hall is an asset and so many people would love to see it brought back into proper use. We must use it as much as we can to provide a focus for locals whether that is putting on shows or concerts or what have you. People shouldn't have to go to Inverness to get excellent entertainment.
"The repairs - mostly to the roof - are an excellent first step but it is vital that we keep the ball rolling and work with High Life Highland to really make this what it traditionally always was – the centre of life in Dingwall."
Ward councillor Angela Maclean said she was delighted to see work to make further improvements to Dingwall Town Hall has moved forward: "There has been a great deal of work behind the scenes with local councillors and council officials to move this project forward."
She said: "Alongside the educational work supporting schools in the Newton Room, this further investment and upgrade will help to breathe new life into this well-loved landmark.”
