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Work progressing on trio of Banff projects


By Kyle Ritchie

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Progress has been made on three major projects currently being undertaken in Banff.

Repairs to the town's harbour have resumed with Shearwater Marine taking over the contract; the final section of work in the Bridge Street improvement project is under way and the interior of the Vinery building has been transformed as the community space in Airlie Gardens takes shape.

The work at Banff harbour resumed recently after it ground to a halt and the previous contract with Lochshell Ltd was cancelled.

An Aberdeenshire Council spokesman said: "Shearwater Marine has started the first pour of concrete for the foundation of the new East Pier at Banff harbour. The removable blockwork is the shutter wall or mould for defining the edge of the foundation.

At Banff harbour, Shearwater Marine has started the first pour of concrete for the foundation of the new East Pier.
At Banff harbour, Shearwater Marine has started the first pour of concrete for the foundation of the new East Pier.

"Once the pier is structurally stable work to complete the remainder of the repairs to the Railway Jetty and reinstate the masonry cladding to both the pier and jetty will proceed."

Improvement work at Bridge Street commenced in June with the aim 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 will also be redeveloped as part of the project.

The spokesman added: "In the town centre, the majority of Bridge Street is now surfaced and free of traffic management measures so that pedestrians can once again move more freely.

Work on the final section of the improvement project at Banff's Bridge Street is under way.
Work on the final section of the improvement project at Banff's Bridge Street is under way.

"With all the recent wet weather we’ve had the opportunity to see the new drainage system and down pipe connections working and are pleased with the results.

"Work on the final section, including the junction with Reid Street, is now well under way with setts being laid along the Reid Street side this week."

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.

The Vinery building at Airlie Gardens is undergoing a transformation.
The Vinery building at Airlie Gardens is undergoing a transformation.

The spokesman said: "There’s more good news from the Vinery project, with a huge transformation to the inside of the bothy since last month, particularly in the café area.

"The exposed stone wall will remain as part of a feature of the café and has been repointed in lime to make it stand out either side of the fireplace.

"The first part of the Vinery timber frame was also recently installed which is the first of many made-to-measure sections."


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