Thurso Players plan extensive refurbishment of derelict foundary to create workshop and storage facility

PLANS have been lodged by Thurso Players to carry out extensive remedial and stabilisation work at a derelict foundry in the town's Millbank Road.

Planning and Listed Building consents were secured in October 2020 but the Covid epidemic had "a serious affect" on the proposed starting date although "positive progress" has been made in the meantime, according to a report to Highland Council.

It said the Players are committed to the restoration project which includes alterations and refurbishment of the building while detailed design work has been produced and a site investigation, including a contamination survey has just concluded.

The category C listed building, adjacent to the Old Mill Theatre, will become a workshop and storage facility if the application is granted. At present, these facilities are located "at an inconvenient remote location," it was stated.

The report says: "This application ... is essentially for continuance of the previous permissions, and is submitted as a ‘timeous renewal’ of the development proposal.

"Although essentially a resubmission of the previous application, we must highlight the alterations that have become necessary during the ongoing investigation works."

It points out that work which needs to be done includes the stabilisation of the northern corner of the building while the internal first floor primary timber beams have found to be rot affected and would be replaced with steel beams.

The report adds: "A comprehensive site investigation has been undertaken with environmental monitoring just being completed. The report is now being finalised which will identify any remediation works to be undertaken."

A bat survey had been carried out previously and showed low or no use of the building but it was suggested that a precautionary approach would be to "progress construction planning assuming a low number, and to update the survey in Spring 2024 prior to commencing major intrusive works on the building."

There were four conditions attached to the earlier planning approval and two attached to the Listed Building consent.

The application is said to be under consideration.

Thurso Players is a registered charity with the aim of encouraging the practice and development of drama in the local community. It owns and operates the Mill Theatre where the group rehearse and perform its productions and host professional shows when possible.

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