Fourteen Aberdeenshire projects to share £2 million of funding
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FOURTEEN projects aimed at improving communities and places across Aberdeenshire are to share more than £2 million in funding.
Earlier this year, the Scottish Government announced a £38 million capital injection into the national “Place Based Investment Programme (PBIP)” for 2021-22, with Aberdeenshire’s allocation totalling £2.04m.
This is expected to be a multi-year programme with funding for future years to be confirmed in due course.
The Aberdeenshire PBIP Panel looked for projects which can demonstrate local engagement and support, can realistically be delivered in a short timescale, are sustainable and help to transform their places.
Chair of Aberdeenshire Council’s Infrastructure Services Committee, councillor Peter Argyle, said: “Creating vibrant, successful, sustainable places is at the heart of our decision-making.
"This money will help a number of communities across Aberdeenshire to improve their places and will, in turn, support the longer-term economic recovery.
“The fund was heavily over-subscribed and we needed to prioritise and take some difficult decisions.
"All of the projects offer much in their own rights and as this is a multi-year programme, for those that were not successful this time round, they have the opportunity to respond to feedback and re-apply if appropriate.”
Vice-chair councillor John Cox added: “The panel had to make decisions based on those projects that could realistically deliver this year.
"It is very important that communities start to develop their plans now so that they are in a stronger position to take advantage of this funding in future years.
“By investing in our communities, we are helping to create more attractive, accessible and resilient places that are better placed to face the opportunities and challenges of the future.”
The 14 successful projects are as follows:
Number 30, Huntly, Huntly and District Development Trust - £824,151
This is an existing project supported by the Scottish Government Regeneration Capital Grant Fund and Town Centre Funds.
It will redevelop a vacant former department store in the town centre to create a modern flexible enterprise, learning, leisure and community space. This additional funding will enable the project to complete.
Ellon Integrated Travel Town, Ellon, Aberdeenshire Council - £210,000
This investment will see the delivery of one of the priority projects in the Ellon ITT Masterplan to enhance connectivity between the town centre and other parts of the town, and to encourage a modal shift to walking and cycling.
Bridge Street Public Realm Improvement, Banff, Aberdeenshire Council - £105,155
This is an existing project supported by the Scottish Government Town Centre Fund to deliver a major environmental improvement scheme on this key gateway into Banff.
This additional funding will enable the project to complete.
The Glasshouse at Square Deal, Huntly, Deveron Projects - £104,000
The project will involve the construction of a thermal glasshouse at the rear of the Square Deal building in the town centre. The glasshouse will provide additional flexible space for year-round community use.
Alford Valley Community Railway, Alford - £80,000
This is a new project – the first phase of a multi-phase plan – which will bring the redundant station building back into use as a low carbon community venue. Future phases will see other elements of the old railway be bought back to life.
The project has strong local backing and features in the Marr Community Plan.
Huntly Heart, Huntly, Deveron Projects - £44,067
This is an existing project supported by the Town Centre Fund to bring the Square Deal in Huntly Square back into use as a multi-purpose community hub.
This additional funding will enable the project to complete.
John Trail Hotel Project (North East Scotland Preservation Trust - £81,684) and Kirk Brae Public Realm Enhancement Project (Aberdeenshire Council - £145,000), Fraserburgh
Broch Skate and Wheeled Sports Park, Fraserburgh, Broch Skate Club - £151,560
34 Broad Street, Fraserburgh, North East Scotland Preservation Trust - £150,500
V&A Halls Transformational Enhancement Project, Ballater, Victoria & Albert Halls (Ballater) Trust - £40,000
Victoria Park Community Gardens, Peterhead, Peterhead Area Community Trust - £32,737
Aboyne Town Centre Enhancement Project, Aboyne, Mid Deeside Community Trust - £15,000
Ballater Village Greens Enhancement Project, Ballater, Ballater (Royal Deeside) Ltd - £10,826
