The Press and Journal (Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire)
Millions will be spent on renovating Union Street
Money: Roofs and frontages targeted
An ambitious renovation plan for Union Street has been given a boost worth more than £1million from a national conservation body.
Historic Environment Scotland (HES) has awarded the Aberdeen City Council scheme for repairing and preserving the buildings on the Granite Mile £1.2million – a sum which will be matched by the local authority.
The money will go towards a Conservation Area Regeneration Scheme (CARS), which focuses on refurbishing and reopening vacant and under-used buildings.
Under the five-year initiative, roofs and frontages will be restored following years of neglect.
Owners of private buildings can apply for a grant from the council and it is estimated more than £3million could be spent improving the street.
Council finance convener Willie Young said: “Conserving our heritage is part of the City Centre Masterplan’s vision and the scheme promises to go a long way towards turning that aspiration into reality.
“The council is already spending more than £1million improving Union Street through Operation Union Street Rejuvenation and this new investment will give it the chance of an even brighter future.”
Alex Paterson, chief executive of HES, added: “We’ve seen how successful this approach can be in previous schemes across the UK, and I’m looking forward to seeing the results for the historic city of Aberdeen.
“We are committed to supporting Aberdeen City Council throughout the regeneration process – not just through financial aid, but by providing expert advice and skills.”
Business Improvement District operator Aberdeen Inspired – which is contributing £50,000 – and Aberdeen City Heritage Trust supported the CARS application.
Adrian Watson, chief executive of Aberdeen Inspired, added: “We are pleased to be playing a part in the transformation of Union Street. It is brilliant to see this becoming a reality through positive partnership working and a shared sense of purpose.”
SNP group leader Stephen Flynn said: “The decision of the Scottish Government to provide Historic Environment Scotland with these resources was one I supported and it’s great news Union Street will now be one of the main beneficiaries of this.”