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Building for the Future

Proposal code: THC-2026-07-195

This project will deliver essential refurbishment work to ensure that a community building, Naver Teleservice Centre (NTC), remains safe, accessible and fit for purpose for the next generation.

This project will deliver essential refurbishment work to ensure that a community building, Naver Teleservice Centre (NTC), remains safe, accessible and fit for purpose for the next generation. The building has not undergone major improvement since its conversion over 30 years ago and it is now in need of renovation if it is to continue to meet the needs of this remote area. Independent assessments have identified some key issues in need of attention: replacement of damaged window glass/cills/lintels; renewal of interior and exterior drainage pipes; renewal of exterior render/cladding; roof tile/coping stone replacement; guttering/soil vent pipe replacement; interior redecoration; and implementing fire-safety recommendations.

Refurbishment will enable the NTC to continue to fulfil its core purpose: to manage and maintain a community facility that benefits people with different needs, living in a remote rural area, through the promotion of educational and social and opportunities by continuing to: provide office and meeting space for public services, voluntary organisations and individuals; act as a central, accessible point for local and national information/advice; support partnership working links with other community organisations; maintain financial sustainability through continued use; involve local people in decisions on how the building is used and developed.

The NTC is shaped by the people who use it and the refurbishment plans have been developed in response to community feedback. Local groups, tenants and regular users have highlighted the need for a safe, comfortable and flexible space that is adequately equipped for different needs and uses.

As a community‑owned and managed facility, decisions about the building’s future are made locally. The refurbishment will allow more people to take part in activities, shape future use and strengthen community involvement across North Sutherland.

The project will be overseen by the Board of Trustees and managed from day to day by the NTC Administrator. The trustees and administrator each have varied and specialist skills relevant to this project. The proposed start date is September 2026 taking approximately one year to complete.

Evaluation and ongoing monitoring will be carried out by adherence and review of the NTC Development Plan which involves regular feedback/involvement of building users.

The building, originally built as a private residence circa 1975, was converted in the 1990’s into purpose designed office spaces rented out to local statutory/voluntary agencies providing essential services to the area. No major building work has been carried out since the NTC was established almost 35 years ago and it is now in need of some urgent renovation if it is to continue to meet the needs of this remote area for the next 35 years.  Although financially sustainable through rental income, the NTC operates on a not-for-profit basis and holds no reserves for significant and essential structural work.

When first established, the NTC was an additional resource to the area providing access, training and support around new technology (i.e. computers). However, over time the needs of the community have changed with many people now familiar with/owning their own technological equipment, online home- working and statutory services being tailored/ centralised. With limited demand for physical space the NTC has had to consider alternative options for the use of the building (e.g. residential accommodation) if it is to remain a sustainable as a community resource and adapt to/meet the needs of its community. In order to adapt effectively, the NTC has drafted a Development Plan (in line with the Sutherland Area Place Plan) with the following aims:

• Sustainability – clear/relevant purpose, sufficient resources, skilled board
• Adaptability – in line with local/national strategies, regularly identify community
• Building Maintenance – essential renovation and improvement, energy efficiency
• Community Engagement – links/collaboration with people/groups, accessibility/’reach’ of services

• Financial sustainability (since 1992), continued use, support letters and feedback from users, demonstrate that the NTC has become an integral and vital resource locally.

The primary aim of this project is to enhance the local area by improving a community-owned building enabling it to continue to adapt and meet the needs of its user groups. 

Proposed start date September 2026 to be completed within one year.

 

• Sutherland