Hall Redevelopment

Update 2023

Following consultation and endorsement from the Crathes Community, the Trustees of Crathes Hall have spent a significant amount of time and effort over the last few years exploring the options that would enable us to build a new hall.

At the outset of this project nobody could have envisaged what lay ahead. The Covid pandemic & ensuing lockdown, war in eastern Europe, Brexit and the ongoing cost of living crisis have meant that sources of funding that would otherwise have been available to us, have basically dried up.

As a result, the cost of the project itself has risen massively. The new hall was originally calculated to cost about £650 k but has now risen to over £1 million, that being a conservative estimate.

At a recent meeting of the Board of Trustees, all available information and options were discussed. 

Despite the initial optimism and hopefulness, less than £50k has been raised to date.

With that in mind, the Trustees agreed to cease the project to build a new hall at Crathes.

They also acknowledge that money already secured was done under the auspices of funding the new hallproject, however it is hoped that those who made significant contributions will support this decision. These individuals will be contacted, and options discussed.

Whilst this decision is hugely disappointing, the Trustees focus will now turn to the existing hall.

We need to identify what requires to be done, not only to futureproof and improve the fabric of the current building, but to develop what we have.

Opportunities do exist for us to apply for support with specific items such as insulation and improvedheating etc. and all these options will be explored in the fullness of time.

Whilst the Trustees act with the support and consent of the Community, it is hoped that anyone in the Community of Crathes, or further afield, who loves the Hall as much as we do, will help us by suggesting what facilities or areas they would like to see within the current hall or even a slightly extended one.

Any suggestions will be appreciated and considered by the Trustees moving forward and can be sent to hall.crathes@gmail.com