COUNCILLORS HAVE APPROVED the release of £5000 in funding for the Lossiemouth Town Hall to allow upgrades that will make it a more attractive event hire location.
Members of the Policy and Resources Committee were asked to approve the move yesterday – with the funding being allocated from the Developer’s Obligations Fund, cash paid by housing developers throughout the region for purposes that “mitigate the impact” of developments with regard to community facilities such as library provision.
Lossiemouth Town Hall was transferred to the local community in 2006, since which time its management committee has spent £750,000 to revamp the premises.
Part of the regular income for the Town Hall comes from rental payments for the Public Library which uses part of the premises – however, that is set to be transferred to be part of the new build Lossiemouth High School.
The £5000 agreed from the fund will cover the costs of new tables and decorative chairs, making the property more attractive as a venue for such as weddings and other private functions. In that way the hall committee hope to make up for any lost earnings through the Library moving out.
Following the meeting local member Councillor John Cowe welcomed the unanimous agreement, saying: “I was delighted to note the committee agreeing to this as it will enable the Lossiemouth Town Hall to reach out to the bigger market of weddings and corporate events.”