Building work at Banff's Vinery community project nears completion
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Construction work is nearing completion at the Vinery project in Banff.
Grow Banff @ The Vinery will see the new community facility taken on by Aberdeen Foyer.
Storms and bad weather caused delays to the development but it is now back on track.
Once completed it will offer gardening and growing opportunities, as well as mental and physical health and wellbeing activities.
Town project officer for Banff and Macduff Debbie Robertson said: "Works are nearing completion at the Vinery, although it has not been without a few challenges in recent months.
"The bad weather and storms we experienced slightly delayed the installation to the glass of the Vinery, however spring is hopefully upon us now.
"It is anticipated that the completion of the works to the Vinery and Bothy will be at the end of April. Works to the turret, which additional funding has been granted for from the Regeneration Capital Grant Fund, will continue on past the completion date of the Vinery until early summer.
"As the land on which the Vinery sits is part of the common good estate of Banff and Macduff, it is necessary to seek approval to lease the Vinery.
"Following a period of statutory consultation during spring 2021, which received very positive feedback from the community, and the decision by the Banff and Buchan area committee to approve the lease of the site, Aberdeenshire Council has now formally applied to the Sheriff at Banff seeking authority of the court to lease the Vinery and Bothy to Aberdeen Foyer.
"The process required a further period of public consultation to ascertain any support or opposition. Depending on the outcome of this, it may be necessary to have a court hearing, or the lease may be granted without this."
Meanwhile Aberdeen Foyer has welcomed its new chef, gardener, general assistant, digital skills officer and community engagement officer to Grow Banff @ The Vinery.
Project lead Clare Bancroft said: "We have currently started a CSCS training course and a wellness course has already started utilising Banff Castle as a base. This is until we get the keys for the Vinery.
"Our digital skills officer is currently providing IT support for four people in a virtual capacity for the time being."
Councillor and chairman of the Banff Development Partnership Glen Reynolds said: "Despite a troubled journey through storms, the pandemic and some delays to progress arising from inevitable Covid issues around labour shortages and supply delays, it seems we are finally nearing the light at the end of the tunnel in creating the 'Vinery Vision'.
"We are not there yet, and there are still legal and consultation processes to be undertaken, due to common good implications, but the community appears positive that this exciting challenge is nearing completion.
"I am pleased to see that public consultations have and are being incorporated into this inspirational and innovative project, from the beginning to its end.
"Let there be no mistake, this is an example of best practice which incorporates a partnership approach to produce a facility and surrounding grounds that will contribute towards addressing economic, health and social factors from the pandemic and beyond, for a long time.
"It represents the very best of Banff and its people, wrapped around a symbol of inclusivity and equalities.
"I am delighted that when folk travel to or from Banff Bridge, in and out of the town, they will be met by such a visionary and reassuring image of positivity, stability and progress that is encapsulated in the 'Vinery Vision'.
"Ken Barbour and the architect Alec Milne from GD Lodge are to be congratulated, along with the council team in all the work undertaken to get where we are, and we are blessed in having a lead player, such as Aberdeen Foyer, on board and ready to go."
