New use touted for defunct Friockheim community hub
Friockheim’s defunct community hub could find a new lease of life as a facility for young people with additional support needs.
The £2 million community centre, at the former Eastgate School, closed suddenly in April due to what trustees said was an “irreversible cash flow failure”.
The Friock Hub opened in 2019 and offered a café, fitness suite and other accommodation for community groups and events.
But trustees said it was no longer sustainable. The unused building has now been identified by Angus Council’s education bosses as they try to enhance ASN provision in the county and meet growing demand for places.
Officers also want to cut the rising cost of sending children outside Angus for schooling.
The hub’s potential role was highlighted at a recent education committee meeting when elected members approved a broad consultation on provision for ASN children.
Angus pupil census data from 2025 revealed the percentage of children at primary school with a recorded ASN has increased from 11% to more than 25% since 2019.
In secondary schools, there was a rise from 34% to 46% over the same period.
However, improving provision has proved a challenging issue. In January, education director Neil Lowden paused consideration of proposals after vowing he would not let ASN children become part of a “zero sum game”.
It followed an unexpected parent backlash against plans which could have seen rural primary schools at Tannadice and Newbigging considered as a base for pupils with complex autism.
Mr Lowden told members the consultation will not name individual schools which may be considered. He also said there is no plan to establish a special school in Angus.
He said: “We need more options, which includes our schools, but could include something free-standing.”
After comments by Arbroath councillor Lois Speed, he admitted that could apply to the hub.
He added: “I’d agree Friockheim Community Hub is a tremendous asset in terms of the facilities. Officers are in contact with the relevant parties about the future of Friockheim Community Hub.”