Efforts to regenerate two buildings in a north-east town took a step forward last night as the Scottish Government unveiled a grant of more than £1million.
The money is part of the Scottish Government’s Regeneration Capital Grant Fund, which is available to local authorities to help support projects in their communities.
Yesterday, Fraserburgh received an allocation of £1.15million of the money to help the 2021 project come to fruition.
The scheme, designed to redevelop two listed buildings for business and community use, had previously been described as “exciting” by the port’s senior councillor, Brian Topping.
Announcing the money for Fraserburgh, and 25 other communities around Scotland, Housing Minister Margaret Burgess declared: “Local people are at the heart of these projects, which, with the help of this funding, will transform the spaces around them.
“Not only do these projects transform town centres, but they stimulate economic growth, and support and create jobs throughout Scotland.
“Regenerating disadvantaged communities is a priority for this government, and I am delighted to continue to work with local authorities to announce this £25 million investment in a further 26 projects.”
Aberdeenshire Council aims to use the money to convert the town’s former police station on Kirk Brae into offices for public use.
A burned-out newsagent on Mid Street would meanwhile be re-opened as a 10-bedroom lodging.
The project is estimated to cost £5million.
Survey work for the scheme is already underway while a £1.8million bid for further funding from Heritage Lottery is being drawn up.
Last night, local councillor Charles Buchan said: “The regeneration team has been working really hard and there has been a huge amount of effort by both the council and the architect involved over the last couple of years.
“It’s such a pity that these buildings are underused, this will help get something out of them which could be very good for the town.”
However, concerns have been raised about the future of the project by another councillor.
Michael Watt branded the scheme a “disgrace” when it was first revealed in November.
He said: “It will not create jobs.
“People aren’t going to come to Fraserburgh for this.”