The Rothesay Pavilion is often described as one of the finest and most significant surviving examples of 1930's Art Deco architecture in Scotland. It's the hub of community activity for Rothesay and the whole of the island, with more than 20 different organisations using it for regular meetings or special events throughout the year. But at the moment there's a fight on for a share of available council cash which could make or break the future of this historic landmark.

The Pavilion's restoration project is up against competition from Campbeltown, Oban, Dunoon and Helensburgh - all of whom want the cash for major redevelopments of their own in Argyll and Bute Council's Waterfront Regeneration Project.

Each of the five towns' cases will be considered by independent consultants, who will then recommend to Argyll and Bute Council which of the projects should be funded, with the final decision to be made by the council itself.

Pavilion manager James McMillan says, "The council are well aware of the importance of this great A-listed building, probably the most important building the council owns.

"The key to the scheme for Rothesay is the rebirth of the Pavilion, to get it restored to its Thirties glory. Fit for purpose and fit for the future. Our aim is to maintain it as a flexible and adaptable space - and bring back its Art Deco splendour.

"The bidding process will still take months, but it's safe to say our local councillors are working very hard in this regard!"

Feedback from The Prince's Regeneration Trust: Planning day promises a new, bright future for Rothesay Pavilion

Having been commissioned to help redevelop one of Scotland's premier landmarks, the Rothesay Pavilion on the Isle of Bute, The Prince's Regeneration Trust is delighted at the success of its Planning Day held on Thursday 28th August.

Over 40 interested parties attended the day including local councillors, tourism specialists, representatives from local sports and performing arts groups, as well as regeneration experts from similar projects across the UK.

The objectives of the Planning Day were to discuss and develop ideas for new uses which will return the Pavilion once again to vibrant and full use. The Prince's Regeneration Trust has run Planning Days at many heritage sites over the last decade, as a first step to re-appraising and regenerating historic buildings.

The Grade A Listed Modern Movement Building is one of the best examples of 1930s Art Deco architecture, and is therefore of considerable importance both to Scotland and the UK. It has been, over the years, the hub of the community in Rothesay but is now in serious disrepair and the Trust, along with Argyll and Bute Council, is looking forward to developing proposals that will ensure a sustainable future for the building and a return to its former glory. The project will at the same time contribute to the continuing commercial regeneration of the town.

The regeneration, which is estimated to cost in excess of £5 million, must concentrate not only on preserving the heritage and architectural significance of the building, but also take into account its viable business use and potential as a venue at the centre of plans to revive Rothesay's visitor economy.

A keynote address was given by Derek Harding from Margate Renewal Partnership in Kent. Harding spoke of the revival currently being engineered in the visitor economy of coastal resorts, a number of whom were beginning to stem the decline in visitor numbers. Cheap air travel had meant the attractions of the traditional holiday offer for UK seaside towns was declining, but a new wave of visitors could be attracted as seaside resorts re-invented themselves as coastal towns with a wide ranging appeal to visitors.

Councillor Len Scoullar, Chair of the Project Board, said: "The amount of interest that the Pavilion has generated so far was reflected in the excellent attendance at the Planning Day and it is now important that we sit down, with the Trust and other consultants, and begin implementation of the regeneration project.

The Pavilion has been and will return to being an important part of our local community providing a very real benefit in drawing visitors and interest to Rothesay. It is a building that is greatly loved due to its unique architectural style and the memories it holds for so many people. Our goal is simple; to bring greatness, magnificence and beauty back to the Pavilion so that it can be a glorious visual representation of the beating heart of the fantastic Rothesay community spirit."

Ros Kerslake, Chief Executive of The Prince's Regeneration Trust said: "The project is an excellent example of what The Prince's Regeneration Trust practises so well, finding new sustainable uses for heritage buildings that would otherwise remain redundant or at worse risk dereliction and demolition. The effect our regeneration work has been to help create vibrant interesting areas, boost local economies and restore local confidence.'

Roland Jeffery, Project Advisor at The Prince's Regeneration Trust, said: "The Planning Day generated an emerging consensus that the Pavilion can return to being a venue at the heart of the economic and social life of Rothesay, serving not only the local community but attracting visitors from beyond Bute. In many ways this will be the building returning to its roots - as a visitor attraction for visitors from Clydeside and beyond. This is a stunning and important building in a wonderful bay-side setting; it deserves to be put centre stage again."

The challenge at Rothesay is not just to raise the funds to restore an important landmark but to re-invent the Pavilion as a viable community facility which will have national appeal to visitors.

Following on from the Planning Day a report will shortly be prepared outlining the next key stages in the repair and development of Rothesay Pavilion.

Notes:

"The Modern Movement was slower to catch on in the UK than Europe but many of the buildings which were completed were leisure buildings. Thomas Tait, a towering figure of Scottish modernism, had adjudicated the architectural competition in Rothesay shortly after he appointed Erich Mendelssohn to design the De La Warr Pavilion in Bexhill, East Sussex - in many ways a cousin of Rothesay.

Tait selected James Carrick from Ayr to design Rothesay. The Rothesay Pavilion has over the years lost some of its original fittings but is otherwise remarkably intact. It is an interesting example of modern movement concrete architecture that nevertheless takes clear cues from its context; the concrete was made to look like stone, to the extent that it weathers like stone and many people believe it is a stone building.

The Prince's Regeneration Trust is one of The Prince's Charities, a group of 19 charities of which HRH The Prince of Wales is President. The Prince's Regeneration Trust's projects enable under used or redundant buildings to perform a new function, unlocking a regeneration of the wider community. The Trust works across the United Kingdom sharing learning and experience through its projects.