REMEMBERING THE PAST The idea of building a new Pavilion in Rothesay was first proposed by Rothesay Burgh Council in 1934. At the time Bute, in common with most of the western world, was recovering from the economic crash of 1928 and the severe economic depression that followed. Unemployment on the island had grown steadily during the early 1930s, and by 1935 stood at over 700 people. Tourist numbers had also fallen, and some local businesses, such as the Glenburn Hotel Company, were in trouble. Indeed that particular company was liquidated in 1936, perhaps indicating the cumulative effects that years of recession had on the tourism business. Certainly, a quick read through the Rothesay Express at this time shows something of the concern that the Burgh Council had as regards visitor numbers. The island was, however, still a popular holiday destination, with a new motorbus service proposed to replace the famous Rothesay tramway, and even a daily air service operating between the island and Renfrew airport! Signs of the Burgh Council’s commitment to maintaining Rothesay’s

reputation as a first class holiday destination could also be seen through projects such as the £26,000 West Bay Bathing Station, opened in 1933 and the conversion of the aquarium building at Battery Place into an indoor swimming pool in 1935. As part of the tourism strategy it was decided that provision of a new place of public recreation was also essential. Negotiations for a parcel of ground were concluded by summer 1935, by which time land at 44-49 Argyle Street had been secured and as 1935 entered its final months the Pavilion project was ready to begin. On 1st July 1938 Rothesay Pavilion opened its doors for the first time to the community of Bute and whilst there had been challenges during the construction process, the quality of the completed building was evident for all to see. In the 80 years since it opened the Pavilion has been at the heart of the community and has hosted many events including concerts, weddings, dances, conferences, festivals and indoor sports to name but a few…

ROTHESAY PAVILION REDEVELOPMENT

Newsletter Issue 1 – February 2018

FOCUSING ON THE PRESENT After 80 years of constant use the Pavilion is undergoing major restoration to enable it to meet the requirements of future generations. Following a rigorous procurement exercise, Argyll and Bute Council awarded the contract to refurbish the building to CBC Ltd, a family-run contractor who are based in Glasgow. With almost 50 years industry experience, CBC specialise in the complex refurbishment and conservation of historic and Listed Buildings and, in the last 12 months alone, have completed the restoration of the iconic, Grade “A” Listed Russell Institute in Paisley and the “B” Listed Kirkintilloch Town Hall. The company also operates its own, in house Stonework Division, CBC Stone, who employ a team of craft trained, highly-skilled stonemasons. The CBC Team, led by Project Manager Andy Roberts, began work on Site at the Pavilion on the 27th November 2017. The projected completion date is 31st July 2019, when the Pavilion will open its doors once again to the local community. CBC are currently in the process of soft stripping existing finishings, ceiling areas and the redundant services. Over the coming weeks, the team will be continuing with the erection of external scaffolding and undertaking stone repairs as well as progressing with internal demolition.

MEET THE DELIVERY TEAM

ANDY ROBERTS PROJECT MANAGER

CONNOR HIRD ASSISTANT SITE MANAGER

ROSS HUNTER PROJECT QUANTITY

SURVEYOR

LOOKING TO THE FUTURE

On completion the Pavilion will again offer a wide range of facilities and amenities for use by the local community, as well as visitors to the island. These will include: A shop and exhibition area on the lower

ground floor;

A refurbished main hall capable of hosting a variety of performances and events including Conferences, Weddings, Community Group Use, Trade Fairs Indoor Football;

A café selling locally sourced food and

drink; A variety of flexible spaces for

community hire;

A new glazed, rooftop extension offering fantastic views across the bay;

One office on the first floor and three in the rear caretaker’s house to be rented on affordable terms to local businesses;

A new, more intimate venue on the lower ground floor for small concerts, events and parties.

When it re-opens the Pavilion will be managed by a new charity called Rothesay Pavilion. For more information on this new organisation and the role they will play, check their website www.rothesaypavilion.co.uk. The restored and upgraded Pavilion will be a fantastic asset for the island.

KEEPING IN TOUCH WITH THE COMMUNITY CBC is committed to establishing excellent relationships with all the Pavilion’s neighbours, and the wider community, and aim to maintain these lines of communication throughout the project. This newsletter will be published every two months in order to keep local people informed of progress. However if you have any questions on the project in the meantime please feel free to contact either;

Peter McDonald , Argyll and Bute Council Project Manager Tel: 01700 501395 Peter.McDonald@argyll-bute.gov.uk

Andy Roberts, CBC Project Manager Tel: 0141 445 4665 andy.roberts@cbc.uk.com

The site is open Monday to Thursday 8am to 6pm and Fridays 8.00am to 1.00pm. Should there be any requirement to work outside of these hours, CBC will provide as much notice as possible. You can also follow CBC on Twitter @CBCConstruction, for photo updates on the Pavilion along with the company’s portfolio of other Projects.

WORKING TOGETHER TO MAKE IT HAPPEN The following organisations have contributed funding to deliver the restoration work