On 26 October 2001 the community agreed by majority vote to demolish the old village hall and use the monies from any sale towards the former primary school's refurbishment (providing this building could be purchased from The Highland Council). To this end a Steering Group was elected.

This committee asked The Highland Council about acquiring the building and potential sources of funding for the project.

As a result of these efforts, The Highland Council and the local enterprise board (CASE) were willing to provide financial assistance for professional fees and agreed in principle to the property being transferred to Embo Community Centre Association for a nominal fee, subject to a funding package being obtained.

The next stage of the project was to commission a consultant to draw up a Feasibility Study and Business Plan and for the committee to produce a brief for the architect (incorporating the community survey), to enable them to put together their funding package.

Consequently, after numerous meetings, consultations and visits to other recently renovated and/or new community halls throughout the Highlands, the community consider the submitted proposed plans to be best suited for their continued needs. (You can see the plans of the proposed south and east elevation by clicking here.)

Refurbishment/Extension Considerations

• The present central heating system in the building was considered to be too expensive to run and ineffective. It was agreed that this would best be replaced by oil central heating with solar panels in the roof to heat the water, thus keeping costs down. Other renewable energy sources were discussed and these were weighed against cost and maintenance considerations.
• The size and also the entrance/exit point of the main hall was agreed to be inadequate, and in its present condition does not cater for all abilities. It was also considered to be too small for village functions and neither high or wide enough for indoor sporting activities. Therefore, it was decided that this part of the building should be demolished and a new purpose built hall reconstructed.
• The present kitchen is too big and the equipment inadequate. Therefore, to allow this facility to be utilised more efficiently and effectively it was decided to make it smaller, change the layout and refit with new catering equipment, thus bringing it up to date for hygiene/health and safety regulations.
• The only option regarding the toilets is totally to refurbish them, also incorporating public toilets at the rear of the new centre.
• To leave the existing windows/doors in situ would result in continued loss of heat. These would, therefore, have to be replaced by double glazed units.