Scottish Government commits £2.49m to Huntly town centre regeneration project
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Huntly and District Development Trust's ambitious plan to refurbish and develop a key property in The Square has taken a major step forward.
The project to transform the former Cruickshank's property at No 30, to create town centre employment, leisure and learning opportunities has secured a £2.49 million grant towards the £2.9 million transformation of the property.
The project is one of 26 across Scotland which will share in £25 million of funding from the Scottish Government's Regeneration Capital Grant Fund (RCGF) set up to tackle inequalities and deliver inclusive growth.
The ‘Number 30’ project will transform 1284m2 of vacant and dilapidated space in the heart of the town, into a high-quality, flagship venue fit for the 21st century.
The redeveloped property will provide space for a mix of opportunities in enterprise, skills development, training and learning, blended with much-needed leisure and recreation activities.
In addition to safeguarding two important B- and C listed buildings, key aims of the project are to: develop a high quality, environmentally sustainable and fully accessible, mixed-use anchor building which can respond to community needs for the future; create good quality full and part-time jobs and provide career development opportunities; provide inspirational spaces for the whole community where new opportunities can be created through sharing and development of skills and knowledge and act as a catalyst for further investment in the town.
The funding gap will be met from funds already secured from Transport Scotland, the European Regional Development Fund and HDDT’s own funds.
A decision on an application to Historic Environment Scotland, for the final part of the project funding package, is expected in March.
Work could start as early as April with completion scheduled for late 2022.
Carolyn Powell, town centre development manger with HDDT said: "This is great news. The next stage of the project will be a process of bringing together community members and organisations who wish to be involved in the future use and operations of Number 30.
"We'll be announcing details of how people can get involved very soon."
