Nursing union chiefs and politicians have welcomed plans to redevelop the former Craiginches Prison as affordable housing for public sector workers.
The Scottish Government announced yesterday that low-cost homes would be built on the old jail site, which was declared surplus to requirements after the new HMP Grampian was built in Peterhead.
The scheme will be targeted at staff including nurses and teachers, many of whom have been priced out of the market in Aberdeen due to high rents and rocketing property values.
The crisis in filling posts has led NHS Grampian and Aberdeen City Council to lobby the government for financial assistance.
Yesterday, the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) said vacancies in Grampian are currently about double the national average.
RCN Scotland professional officer Colin Poolman said: “Given how difficult it is to recruit nurses and other NHS staff in Aberdeen, any initiative which can help those working in the public sector afford a home is welcome.
“We know that many public sector workers are currently priced out of the housing market, leading to staff shortages in many areas.
“Nursing vacancies in Grampian are currently running at 5.5%, compared to a Scotland average of 2.7%, due in part to the lack of affordable housing in the city.
“Anything that can help relieve this situation can only be a good thing.”
The Scottish Prison Service was granted planning permission in principle for a residential development by Aberdeen City Council in February.
Aberdeen South and North Kincardine MSP Maureen Watt has been pushing for the prison site to be redeveloped as affordable housing for some time.
Ms Watt said: “After much perseverance, highlighting the need for affordable housing in the north east for a considerable length of time, and recognising the fantastic boost it will give to local recruitment and retainment of staff, I couldn’t be more delighted with this announcement.
“These new homes will make a vital contribution to our public services and health care across Aberdeen.”
Torry and Ferryhill ward councillor Alan Donnelly added: “The city is bursting at the seams due to the booming economy and that’s why we need the infrastructure.”