Published on:
28
September 2010
Alloa Town Centre is set to receive a massive investment boost as a result of decisions taken by Clackmannanshire Council this week.
Plans to redevelop the Speirs Centre have taken a step forward, with councillors agreeing that the £2.9 million project should now move to the detailed design and tender stage.
The refurbished Speirs Centre will provide a modern Clackmannanshire
library replacing the existing library in Drysdale Street. The library will feature a coffee shop, new technology and areas for exhibitions, activities and the display of museum exhibits.
Councillors also agreed to allow officers to enter into negotiations with a local dental practice. The practice is interested in expanding by relocating to the current Alloa library building, which offers a chance to do this in a town centre location with easy access to public transport and parking. If this expansion goes ahead it will meet a critical local need for more NHS dentists.
It was also agreed to go forward with a project which will eventually hope to see all Council staff currently based at Greenfield and Lime Tree House being located to Kilncraigs. This plan will make use of the currently empty 1936 building and Patons School.
Both projects are expected to take up to two years to complete and will create job opportunities during the developments.
Council leader Sam Ovens said: "These major initiatives show the Council's commitment to the ongoing regeneration of Alloa Town Centre, particularly during the current economic downturn. These developments come on the back of the Imagine Alloa investment and the ongoing construction of the new Forth Valley College campus. I am positive that our faith in the town centre will encourage others, particularly those in the private sector, to invest and make Alloa a better place to visit and do business."
The redeveloped Speirs Centre will also feature a Customer Service Centre where local people can make payments, lodge enquiries and gather information on Council services will also be created within the centre.
The centre will also be the base for healthy living facilities including Clackmannanshire Healthier Lives and community learning including computers, craft/skill facilities and a tourist information point.
The completed building could be opened in summer 2012 and officers are seeking to attract external funding to this redevelopment.
Councillor Eddie Carrick, Sustainability Portfolio Holder, said: "The Speirs Centre is one of Clackmannanshire's most impressive, historic buildings and I think these proposals offer the potential to make the most of this asset while adding to Alloa town centre's ongoing regeneration.
"The Imagine Alloa project has transformed Primrose Street and this project will extend those improvements. And a new glazed entrance wall on the rear gable will provide a vastly improved approach from the car park and train station."
As well as making the Drysdale Street library building surplus to requirements, the redevelopment would allow the Council to sell the buildings at 8-14 Bank Street and 19 Mar Street.
Council agreed to move to the detailed design stage for the relocation of staff to Kilncraigs. This will also see Lime Tree House and Greenfield House declared as surplus to requirements. Councillors heard that the plan will deliver savings and efficiencies as well as improve customer service in the long term.
Depute Council Leader Bobby McGill said: "This is an opportunity to cut the cost of running three corporate buildings in Alloa, while creating a modern, efficient and flexible working environment for our staff. It will bring new opportunities for streamlined working as well as creating over 100 jobs during the construction phase. This plan represents a multi-million pound investment in the town centre, bringing a large amount of staff into the town centre, assisting it commercial vitality and viability."