Initial work begins on Banff Bridge Street improvement project
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A project to improve Banff's Bridge Street has commenced with initial work being carried out by the contractor.
Hunter Construction (Aberdeen) is undertaking the work which aims to make it an attractive environment for small shops and businesses as well as re-instating the key link between Old Market Place and the town centre.
This is being encouraged by placing an emphasis on pedestrian movement rather than functioning purely as an area to park or as a through-route for vehicles.
Key features include lantern lighting columns, penny farthing-inspired cycle stands and a 22kw vehicle charging point in the adjacent car park area which is also to be redeveloped as part of this project.
As the work is being carried out pedestrian access is available on the street and the shops and businesses are open as usual.
An Aberdeenshire Council spokesman said: "It is great to see that work has commenced in Banff on the Bridge Street Public Realm Improvement Project – and that pedestrian access is available and all shops and outlets are open for business as usual.
"The works to-date have mainly involved upgrading some of the existing services, joining new drainage connections from downpipes where required and laying a new duct for the lighting connections.
"Once the connections are in place, the road is being shaped to formation level, ready for the paving."
The scheme will link up various strategic projects, including the Vinery project which is currently being redeveloped, and areas of the town.
The design team said the plan captures the aspirational vision of an attractive, safe and pleasant environment by creating a street where pedestrians feel they can move freely anywhere and where drivers should feel they are a guest.
The project received a £709,030 share of the £3.28 million awarded to Aberdeenshire Council through the Scottish Government's Town Centre Regeneration Fund which is aimed at driving local economic activity and stimulating and supporting economic improvements.
Meanwhile, the Vinery redevelopment will see the historic building brought back into use.
The work, being carried out by contractor Ken Barbour Limited, will see a full restoration and refurbishment of the bothy and glasshouse – known locally as the Orangery - into a community facility.
After Scotland’s Association for Mental Health withdrew from the project due to the uncertainty around Covid, Aberdeen Foyer was confirmed as the new operator.
It is looking to work with with NESCOL and community partners to provide opportunities to access wellbeing support, qualifications and training for all ages, while also providing a safe, shared space for other community and third sector groups to enjoy, including opportunities for gardening.
