Forres’ Moray Councillors will consider future of community centre during budget cuts
Forres’ councillors have revealed their relationships with the town’s popular community centre amid fears it may be closed in coming cuts.
Cllr Scott Lawrence (SNP), Draeyk van der Horn (Green) and Kathleen Robertson (Conservative) discussed their personal links to the High Street building and their views on the potential closure.
Last month, it was revealed that the facility which opened in 1973 could face closure as part of changes to sport and leisure services.
According to the consultant-penned Moray Sports and Leisure Review, Forres House Community Centre could be closed over “poor financial performance”, a “growing deficit” and the apparently-limited impact its closure would have.
A Moray Council spokesperson has stated that no decisions about closure have been made, with proposals and plans currently being drawn up.
Since then, nearly 4000 people have signed a petition at https://www.change.org/p/prevent-moray-council-from-closing-forres-community-centre and hundreds more have taken to social media to voice their complaints.
However, the only locals with a direct say are our elected officials.
Cllr Lawrence’s family has enjoyed visiting Forres House since at least the early eighties.
He said: “Forres House has always been a part of my life. From being a young loon running about at Tom’s Sunday Football, to trampolining and crafting at Friday Night Club, I have grown up benefiting from experiences there.
“Both of my daughters have attended classes in the centre, from parent and toddler group to cheerleading and ballet.
“I was also employed as a youth worker there for seven years, where I saw the importance of a dedicated youth space as well as youth work.”
Cllr Lawrence is “acutely aware” of the many groups and individuals who still regularly frequent the building and believes its social value has been “underestimated”.
However, he refers to the report’s claim that the current operating model means that the centre apparently costs the tax payer over £100,000-a-year.
He said: “The hard truth is that an investment of half a million pounds is needed to bring the building up to standard and its design means that it can never meet the required energy efficiency level.”
The former Forres Academy pupil hopes that the town’s much-vaunted new secondary school - scheduled to open in 2028 despite the location being yet to be confirmed - will provide what the centre currently offers and more.
He said: “The uncertain future of Forres House highlights the need for community space in the new school that will be fit for the needs of Forresians for the next 50 years.
“The new academy will provide state-of-the-art community spaces, including a public library, a 3G pitch and games hall.
“Meanwhile, my priority will be to ensure that there is no short term loss of facilities.”
Cllr Lawrence will assess the information provided in the council’s leisure review and compare it to current activity at the centre and Forres Swimming Pool.
He explained: “I’ve been talking to folk who use and work there, adding to the knowledge I have from being a regular user of both.
“Long term, we must ensure that the needs of the people are met via council and community-owned buildings. The centre will close at some point, but I will not be in favour unless there is sufficient provision elsewhere. As we stand today, I do not believe there is.”
Moray Council leader, Kathleen Robertson, has used the facilities at Forres House Community Centre extensively over the years, from attending classes and meetings, to taking her children to activities there.
She confirmed that the councillors have agreed to a workshop to discuss Moray’s leisure review in more detail.
Regarding Forres House, she said: “No proposal or discussion has been presented to councillors. It was highlighted in a high-level review of the leisure estate as an asset which is losing £200,000-a-year.
“Under the current financial constraints of local authorities, it is only proper that consideration is given to all assets across Moray and whether they are financially sustainable. Unfortunately, Forres’ community centre is one of those identified.”
She added: “Naturally, I feel nostalgic towards the centre as a frequent user and will in due course when proposals are developed, look to see if there is any way in which we can make it sustainable.”
Having attended the centre many times over the years, Cllr van der Horn agrees that it has to be made sustainable to ensure it can continue to provide so much for the community for years to come.
“The potential closure due to budget cuts is deeply concerning,” he said. “The centre plays a vital role in the community, not just because it occupies a prominent location on High Street, but as a crucial space for people to gather.
“I particularly enjoy the wonderful café, library, and meeting rooms which provide a welcoming environment for work, socialising and relaxation.
Cllr van der Horn believes Moray Council should use some of the £500 million, 10-year Just Transition Fund aimed at supporting projects in the North East that contribute to the area’s transition to net zero.
He said: “It could help fund essential upgrades such as solar panels, improved insulation, and other energy-efficient measures - reducing running costs and ensuring this beloved community space remains a vital resource for the future.
”The centre’s role in fostering community connections has never been more important, and its closure would be a significant loss for those who rely on it.”
Cllr Paul McBain (Forres, Conservative) was asked for comment but did not reply.