Turriff Haughs improved by huge Aberdeenshire Council regeneration project
A much-loved green space at the heart of a town has benefitted from a major improvement scheme.
Aberdeenshire Council launched a regeneration project at The Haughs in Turriff eight months ago, which has now been completed.
The improvements came after a number of requests from the community, according to a council spokesperson.
Hunter Construction were contracted to carry out the works, which include a new ramp at the underpass, low-energy use lighting and improvements to several paths in the park.
As a result, more people will be able to access the park, which hosts the Turriff Show each year, all year round including during darker winter months.
To measure the success of the project, a process of monitoring and evaluation is now set to be undertaken.
The final phase of the project has been made possible thanks to funding from the Place Based Investment Programme, the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund and the council’s own Environment and Sustainability budget.
Councillors also welcomed the news that the Friends of the Den have also completed a
project to extend its CCTV coverage of the park.
This was made possible through funding including grant awards from the UK Shared
Prosperity Fund, Formartine Area Committee and local donations.
Since June, a catering van has taken on a council lease to operate at The Haughs which covers the revenue costs of the lighting and CCTV extension.
While the vast majority of visitors treat The Haughs with respect and enjoy the facilities on offer, it’s hoped that the addition of these extra cameras will help to reduce an element of anti- social behaviour in the area.
Cllr Iain Taylor, chair of the council’s Formartine Area Committee, said: “These tremendous improvements at The Haughs really emphasise all the great community spirit which is alive and well in Turriff and also the excellent community engagement work our officers have undertaken over recent years through the work of the Haughs Redevelopment Steering Group.
“It has been absolutely vital that the views and ideas of our community were front and centre throughout the design process and I really hope that residents of all ages and abilities will be able to enjoy the park to a far greater extent now that the improvements have been completed.”
Meanwhile, an asset transfer approved by the area committee last year enabled the Turriff Town Pride Group and Turriff in Bloom to secure a 15-year-lease of the Station Yard depot.
The dedicated volunteers now have a safe, secure storage facility for the equipment used to maintain the town’s floral displays.
Morag Lightning of Friends of the Den added: “We are delighted to see these projects completed.
“Having been part of the steering group from the start, it has been fantastic to see the various local community groups, local authority and local sports clubs working together for such a worthwhile cause.
“We hear nothing but compliments regarding the improvements, and it is extremely heart warming to have provided the community with something they asked for.
“The increased footfall from all generations speaks volumes and we are extremely proud to have been part of the driving force.”
Rose Logan, on behalf of Turriff Town Pride and Turriff in Bloom Group, said: “We would like to thank Aberdeenshire Council for granting the community asset transfer and lease of the Station Yard Depot to our group, which has been in operation for over 20 years providing floral displays around the town.
“In the past, plant and equipment has been held at members individual addresses and the depot will give us a secure base to operate from and continue our engagement with the community on many more environmental projects.
“The whole of the Haughs improvement project has been a huge success and shows just what working together can achieve.”
