PLANS have been revealed for an extension to a community facility on Islay, including the installation of a bigger kitchen.
The Columba Centre, in Bowmore, is the subject of the application by management of Ionad Chaluim Chille Ile, otherwise known as Islay Gaelic Centre.
It is considered that current kitchen facilities are unable to accommodate the demand at the centre, and that the plans would also allow the menu and services to be extended.
The facility delivers Gaelic classes at different levels, and provides opportunities for speakers of the language in the community, as well as hosting events and activities.
Argyll and Bute Council is expected to rule on the application by early March, with plans now available to be viewed by the public.
A design and access statement by AMP Architects said: “The kitchen facilities are currently undersized to keep up with the café’s demand, and so the centre have approached AMP Architects to request the construction of an extension to expand the size of their kitchen.
“The client has requested for the kitchen to be extended on the east side of the building. This will allow the café to extend their menu and services.
“The current kitchen facilities for the café are unsuited for the scale of service required. The minimal space for staff [means] that the café are currently unable to expand their menu – and movement within the kitchen is unsafe.
“The new extension is proposed on the east side of the building, off the exit of the current kitchen – with a footprint of approximately 4m x 7m. The programme of the new extension would include the installation of a full new commercial kitchen.
“The dishwashing facilities which are currently housed at the opposite end of the cafe to the kitchen, would be moved to where the existing kitchen is – improving the flow of service through the two spaces.”
To view the plans and submit feedback, visit the council’s planning portal at argyll-bute.gov.uk and use the reference number 25/02120/PP.
