AMBITIOUS plans to breathe fresh life into one of Moray’s most prominent buildings are likely to be given the go-ahead next week.
Moray Council appears set to hand over control of the Tolbooth in Forres on Tuesday.
Council officers have recommended responsibility for the building should be given to the Forres Heritage Trust.
The trust has been working towards taking over the Tolbooth, on the town’s High Street, for several years. It was told in December to strengthen its business case – and council officers have now backed a revised submission.
The report, written by council property solicitor Emma Carle, said: “Through the provision of a mix of office space, exhibition and art installation areas, educational, heritage and museum attractions, plus the provision of a central meeting space for local outreach groups, the project proposal has the potential to promote economic regeneration within Forres, as well as improving and promoting health and social well-being.
“The revised business case for the Tolbooth therefore enables the council to support a Community Asset Transfer (CAT) of the Tolbooth.”
The CAT process is part of the shake-up of the way Moray venues are being run as the council tries to claw back millions from its budget. Forres Heritage Trust was formed to take over running the Tolbooth and Nelson’s Tower when the council withdrew funding from both buildings in 2010.
The A-listed Tolbooth is used once a month for Forres Community Council meetings, but the trust plans to restore and develop it for wider use.
The landmark has won the support of the Budge Trust charity and of local landowner Mark Laing. It has held regular open days and photo exhibitions at the Tolbooth, which have proved extremely popular.
The heritage trust, which has charitable status, hopes to instal lifts and disabled toilets to make it more accessible. It was handed a one-year lease in 2013, so it could prepare a business plan. The venture has attracted support from local fundraisers and charities.
A trust spokesman said last night that the body did not want to comment until after the Tuesday’s meeting of Moray’s Council’s policy and resources committee.
It is thought there have been civic buildings on the site for the past 800 years.
The foundation stone for the present building was laid in 1838. The Tolbooth’s main feature is its impressive courtroom in which the town’s magistrates once sat.
A further role was as a prison, equipped with a police office and six cells over three floors. A feature unseen by many Forres residents for the last 50 years is the prisoner exercise yard at the rear of the building.