Dream to transform eyesore hall into £1m leisure facility

Published on Monday 14 April 2008 10:36

A DERELICT Lothian community hall is set to receive a £1 million makeover.

Plans submitted to West Lothian council could see Linlithgow's Victoria Hall restored and transformed into a new community and leisure facility.

The scheme has been devised by the hall's current owners Gioco Leisure and local architects EK:JN, who propose partially demolishing some of the building as it has been deemed unsafe.

The scheme would see a new courtyard, function rooms and space for family leisure activities created at the hall. New restaurant and cafe facilities have also been proposed, which would replace a takeaway businesses currently occupying parts of the building.

The hall was built in 1886 and last used as an amusement arcade before being boarded up in 1991.

Local councillor Martyn Day said: "The Victoria Hall has been an eyesore for so long that this would be welcomed. If we are to increase tourism in West Lothian by 50 per cent there will be an increased demand for what these plans offer."

Councillors are expected to discuss the proposals over the coming weeks.