New loo at Grantown’s community centre will suit everyone
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What a relief all round for those at Grantown community centre!
A new £48k suite consisting of three self-contained unisex toilet cubicles and a disabled toilet with baby change facilities, has been opened by Karen Derrick, on behalf of the Cairngorms Trust Board which largely funded the project.
“We were delighted at the genuine ‘Wows’ that greeted the opening of the door,” said Claire Thom, chair of the centre.
“We have tried hard to avoid a clinical, institutional look by going for a contemporary fresh look, colourful but restful. The toilets have certainly won the seal of approval.”
The opening was a joyful celebration, attended by members of the board, user groups, the Cairngorm Trust and the community.
“It was a long, tortuous path to reach this moment for although the Community Centre has a lot of space, it has a shortage of discreet spaces. Thanks to Stephen Ritchie Architectural Services, the problem was solved by combining the space occupied by the old gents and ladies toilets and removing the defunct dumb waiter shaft that straddled the two. The work was carried out by AW Laing and Mrs Thom praised the company for their high standard of work and attention to detail.
“The toilets greatly enhance the facilities on offer at the Community Centre and, in turn, the town and allow the events held in the centre to be fully accessible.
“The board have now overcome a major obstacle to applying for a public entertainment licence, which will allow the centre to fully extend its provision by holding concerts and chargeable events.2
She stressed the community aspect of the project – one that was designed for the benefit of the community, supported by the community, carried through by groups and members of the community.
She thanked Heather Fraser for starting off the project by throwing herself off a bridge in Perthshire - in a sponsored bunjee jump, that is - and raising the funds to open the ‘Disabled Toilet’ account.
There was praise for Stephen Ritchie Architectural Services for identifying and designing the space , AW Laing for producing a very high standard of finish and being such easy partners,
The Cairngorm Trust was also thanked, for its continuing support and that of other funders – Awards for All, the Bruce Wakefield Trust and Ben Mawston for his advice and support with the interior design choices.
The trustees and the team of volunteers were recognised for the long hours they had all put in to ensure the continued success and development of the centre.
