Demolition of a Kilmacolm landmark...

Work re-commenced today on the demolition of the Kilmacolm Institute - comprising of two vacant shop units and the former village community centre - to pave the way for the construction of a new three-storey development with two ground floor shops units and 13 flats on the upper floors. Ten basement car parking spaces will also be provided. The development was granted planning permission in June 2014.

It is intended that existing Co-operative Food store in the village will relocate to the larger of the two units.

The Kilmacolm Institute was sold by the Council to a developer to help fund the new village community centre and library and its redevelopment should enhance the amenity of the village centre. The expanded food store will be welcomed by villagers as the size of the existing Co-op store restricts the range of products on offer.

Many people will be sad to see the demolition of the Institute given its long history as a focal point in the village. However the conversion of the building was not considered to be economically variable.

Residents can take comfort from the fact that the sale of the Institute has helped secure the long-term future of the former village primary school and school board buildings across the road at the Cargill Centre.