Building Briefs – October 21st

A new ski resort is expected to open in southern Scotland within weeks.

The Lowther Hills Ski Club has applied for planning permission to build a clubhouse and a 600m rope tow on the slope near Wanlockhead.

It is hoping to attract snowsports enthusiasts from across Scotland and the north of England to the village in Dumfries and Galloway.

It is part of a wider plan to market the area as a year-round sports resort.

Those behind the proposals hope to eventually offer visitors to the Southern Uplands the chance to do a range of different activities including mountain biking, hill-walking, golf and curling.

Lowther Hill was a busy ski resort in the 1960s and 1970s when there was a permanent ski tow on the slope.

It fell out of fashion in the 1980s however, and since then local people have occasionally used a portable tow to get up the hillside.

Michelin exploring plans to modernise Dundee site

Tyre manufacturer Michelin has confirmed it is exploring plans to modernise its Dundee factory in order to secure its long-term future.

The firm has lodged a pre-planning application with Dundee City Council outlining two new development zones at its sprawling Baldovie site.

The company stressed that the plans, which envisage a new southern manufacturing and tyre storage wing to the factory and major earthworks to create a flood storage area on the western boundary, are at an early stage.

There was no comment forthcoming on development timescales, job creation prospects or the value of the potential investment in the site, and detailed proposals for the site are not expected to emerge until the first quarter of next year.

The next stage of the process will see Michelin move into a 12-week consultation period in which upgrading options for the site will be explored.

D&G District Hospital roundabout completed ahead of schedule

The new upgraded Garroch roundabout, on the A75 Dumfries Bypass, a key part of the new £230 million Dumfries and Galloway District Hospital complex, is now up and running.

Transport Minister Keith Brown today welcomed the news that the £1.2 million contract to increase the size of the four-leg roundabout and realign some of the approach roads, was completed seven weeks ahead of schedule and on budget.

Galliford Try chairman suddenly steps down

Galliford Try chairman Ian Coull is stepping down with immediate effect due to other business and personal commitments.

His decision has prompted a temporary board reshuffle to continue to deliver Galliford Try’s growth plans.

Chief executive Greg Fitzgerald, who announced last month that he also plans to retire before the end of next year, will now also act as executive chairman while a replacement is found.

Peter Rogers, non-executive director and senior independent director, will also assume the role of interim Deputy Chairman to support Fitzgerald.

Raploch housing handover ceremony

The first homes in a multi-million pound Raploch housing development project have been formally handed over.

Forth Housing Association (FHA) took possession of four two-bedroom and four one-bedroom homes on Monday 13th October at an event also attended by representatives of Stirling Council, Raploch Urban Regeneration Company and Cruden Homes (East) Limited.

It marked the first stage towards completion of the £9.3 million partnership project between all four organisations that will result in a boost of 24 new flats for mid-market rent and two bungalows to Stirling Council’s housing stock.

FHA will be provided with a total of 20 homes for social rent and 42 properties will be made available for private sale by Cruden Homes.

The total cost of the Stirling Council properties is £2.47m, with £500,000 provided through the council’s Housing Revenue Account.

35,000 homes to benefit from East Ayrshire wind farm approval

A new 27-turbine wind farm near New Cumnock in East Ayrshire has been granted consent, Energy Minister Fergus Ewing has confirmed.

Once complete the wind farm will have the potential to power the equivalent of almost 35,000 homes and generate community benefit funding of up to £9.2 million over its lifetime.

The proposed Afton wind farm, which will be developed by E.ON, will have a maximum generating capacity of around 74MW.

Graham’s Aquatics Centre recognised by the Aberdeen Civic Society.

Graham Construction’s work on the Aberdeen Aquatics Centre has been recognised at the 2014 Aberdeen Civic Society Awards.

The objective of the Aberdeen Civic Society is to encourage the preservation, development and improvement of buildings across the city.

The annual award scheme recognises the positive impact of new builds and restoration of existing buildings.

The £18.2 million Aquatics Centre, which opened earlier this year was part of the Aberdeen Sports Village development.

The centre provides both a community facility for all ages and long course training opportunities for elite swimmers.

The Aquatic Centre includes a 10 lane, 50m Olympic standard pool, a 25m x 16.5m diving pool with adjustable floor, spectator seating for 600, full timing/video analysis lab along with a health suite and a bridge connection to the Sports Village.

The awards took place on Wednesday 15 October at the city’s Town & County Hall.

Plan for indoor market at former Arbroath church gets council’s blessing

A 19th century church has been transformed into an indoor market.

The former St Ninian’s United Free Church building on Arbroath High Street was purchased by local businessman Brian Toner.

Planning approval was gained to change the use on behalf of the Voigt Partnership. When it opens at the end of the month, there will be around 20 market stalls and a cafe.