A BID to demolish the former public toilets and store at Rothesay’s East Albert Pier has been approved by council officers.
Argyll and Bute Council revealed last year that it intended to demolish the former facility, with £40,000 of Crown Estate funding earmarked to help with the cost.
Officers of the authority have now agreed to proceed with the action after Historic Environment Scotland raised no objections.
A council planning officer said in a handling report: “From a public safety perspective, the subject building is in a poor structural condition and represents a hazard. Whilst it is surrounded by fencing, there is evidence of vandalism to the structure, which would indicate that members of the public have been able to gain access.
“A decision was made by the council’s policy and resources committee on February 15, 2024 to allocate £40,000 of Crown Estates funding to cover the costs of demolishing the Albert Pier building.
“The council generally has the flexibility to allocate Crown Estates funding as it sees fit and there isn’t specific criteria that requires to be adhered to.
“It is evident that the cost of refurbishing the building would be significantly higher than £40,000 and this would represent a financial risk to the council.
“As it is not considered financially viable to repair the building, it will continue to deteriorate if it is left as is. Its demolition would remove a significant liability in the town centre although disposal of the asset to the private sector is not considered to be appropriate as the council’s control of the land would be lost thereby affecting the prospects for future re-development.
“A public consultation was undertaken in April 2023 and this identified Albert Pier as a high priority for local residents. There was broad support for a redevelopment of the pier area, including the demolition of the building in question.
“Community priorities that were identified included enhancing car parking in the area and the potential for improved public realm and marine access at this location.”
The officer added: “[Historic Environment Scotland] have stated that the subject single storey building is similar to other small-to-medium sized historic buildings that are located in and around the ferry terminal and along the esplanade/promenade, many of which also had a public use.
“Collectively, these buildings contribute to the resort character and appearance of the town centre character area which reflects 19th and 20th century tourism and, as such, they consider that the building makes some contribution to the character of the area.
“They have noted that the building is in poor condition, has significant issues with its roof and floor and that it is fenced off for public safety.
“The findings from the structural inspection of 2021 suggest that the building is repairable but that it would likely be more cost effective to demolish and re-build.
“Their view is that the proposals do not raise historic environment issues of national significance and, therefore, they do not object. However, this decision not to object should not be taken as their support for the proposals.”
