Work starts in Nairn for new Citizen's Advice office and town centre flats
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
The site of a former church which later became a drill hall for the Territorial Army and Nairn’s first community centre has been cleared to make way for a new Citizen’s Advice office and flats.
The £3.1million project in King Street will provide the Citizen’s Advice Service with additional accommodation and a new IT suite to replace their existing High Street base.
Highland Council has worked with the service to provide the facility, whch will also see the creation of 12 one and two bedroom flats for council rent.
Assisted by a £700,000 grant from the Scottish Government’s More Homes Scotland Fund, it is hoped the new development will contribute to the regeneration of the town centre alongside other improvements, including the pedestrianisation of Courthouse Lane via the crossing on the A96.
The new Citizens Advice office will sit within a square which will flow into the pedestrianised route.
Brenda Waterfield, chairwoman of Nairn CAB, said: “We are delighted to see work starting on our new premises.
“It has been a long time coming and not without jumping a few hurdles on the way.
“We outgrew our current premises on the High Street many years ago. This new building will be a community asset, providing support and facilities for the town and a safe, welcoming environment for staff, volunteers and clients for the future.
“Nairn CAB is a charity and we rely mainly on projects to fund the work we do. Having more space will enable us to train more volunteers to give advice to our clients and take on new projects.
“We would like to thank all those people who have helped us get this far.”
Funding for the new CAB office has come from Citizens Advice Scotland; Nairn Citizens Advice Bureau’s own fundraising; The Davidson Trust; the Scottish Government Town Centre Fund; Spar; the Rotary Club of Nairn and a private donor.
Chairman of Highland Council’s Nairnshire committee, Councillor Tom Heggie, said: “It is good to see this project under way.
“The additional flats within the development are needed in Nairn, given the shortage of affordable housing within the area.
“In addition, the need for the services offered by CAB are even more necessary in the aftermath of the two lockdowns we have experienced and the purpose-built facility with IT provision will allow this essential service to be maintained and developed in Nairn.”
The project is due to be completed by summer next year.
READ: PHOTOS: Nairn groups step up their Kilt Walk fundraising
