Application made to transform Forres Town Hall
PLANS have been released showing how one of Forres' most important buildings could be propelled into the 21st century while retaining its former grandeur.
Forres Area Community Trust (FACT) has applied to Moray Council to restore and make extensive changes to the 193-year-old building.
The changes include sub-dividing it into three spaces, as well as introducing retractable seats and a new mezzanine floor.
They also include providing lifts at the front and back and improving the kitchen and bathroom facilities.
Moray Council closed the town hall as part of its cutbacks in 2017.
FACT, which stepped in to lease and manage it, is now in the final stages of a community asset transfer, expected to be completed before the end of the year.
The group's chairman, Fabio Villani, said: "The Scottish Land Fund’s generous support has enabled us to develop our plans for the town hall's future.
"When the purchase is concluded this will mark an important milestone in the history of Forres, as one more key element of the town’s heritage is fully returned to the direct care of the local community.
"It will also mark an important milestone in the development of FACT as a key organisation in helping the people of Forres make the most of the town’s many assets, in this case being able to realise the aims of the future vision for Forres Town Hall."
During lockdown the building has served as a hub for the Forres and Kinloss Community Food project, allocating over 1000 meals since May.
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