A £2.m building conservation scheme for Aberdeen’s Union Street was due for launch today (November 23).
Grants to help restore and enhance historic properties are being offered to owners through a Conservation Area Regeneration Scheme (CARS), subject to meeting eligibility criteria.
The five-year programme is being rolled out by Aberdeen City Council after it was awarded £1,177,104 by Historic Environment Scotland (HES) earlier this year. The Council matched this sum. A further £50,000 is being provided by Aberdeen inspired, the banner under which the Business Improvement District operates, bringing the total pot to £2,404,208.
The scheme encourages work – ranging from shopfront improvements to the reinstatement of architectural features – that employs traditional materials and methods.
Union Street CARS marks the next step in rejuvenating Aberdeen’s main thoroughfare under the City Centre Masterplan, a 25-year regeneration programme.
Project CM11 Union Street Conservation Area Improvement Scheme aims “to promote the conservation and enhancement of the special historic and architectural heritage of Union Street and to maximise its economic and social value”.
Councillor Marie Boulton, the Council’s lead on the city centre, said: “The City Centre
Masterplan belongs to everyone and through a partnership approach we are transforming Aberdeen’s heart.
“Aberdeen City Council is delighted to be launching this scheme after receiving support from Historic Environment Scotland and Aberdeen Inspired. We are looking forward to working with the owners of historic properties to restore our built heritage for the benefit of the whole city.
“The scheme has the potential to stimulate significant long-term investment in Union Street by paving the way for occupancy of both vacant commercial units and vacant upper floors, potentially for residential use. Union Street CARS will also further increase civic pride.”
HES chief executive Alex Paterson said: “We’re proud to be able to financially support this regeneration project in what is one of Scotland’s great historic thoroughfares.
“Union Street features many original buildings, and the restoration of their traditional aspects will showcase Aberdeen’s unique architectural heritage.
“The HES grant and investment goes beyond just supporting the local economy: by additionally helping to ensure that traditional skills and trades continue to be encouraged. Moreover, existing businesses will also have the opportunity to enhance their shopfronts to attract visitors and place the city’s heritage very much at the fore of its present and future.”
Aberdeen Inspired chief executive Adrian Watson said: “It's reassuring to see the CARS scheme move forward and with that the next stage of the City Centre Masterplan principles.
“Aberdeen Inspired is committed to supporting this £2 million plus project that will effectively offer businesses the financial impetus to look seriously at restoring and/or enhancing their buildings on our main thoroughfare.
“We all know that the issue of Union Street’s current state is one that provokes much debate, here a very real opportunity for the owners to grab the initiative and realise more of the potential that this historic and great street offers.”
The scheme covers the Union Street Conservation Area, which includes Holburn Junction and the Castlegate. Subject to meeting criteria, grants will cover up to 60% of repairs and 75% of shopfront improvements, with owners expected to meet the rest of the cost.
Conditions will be attached to grants, including a commitment to future maintenance of the properties.
It has been estimated that CARS Union Street could result in a total investment of around £3.6m if there was full uptake of funding among owners.
A Union Street CARS Officer has been appointed by the Council to manage the scheme. A rooftop survey is to be carried out to help determine the condition of properties and identify priority buildings, which is a requirement of the scheme and will inform decisions about the awarding of grants.
Union Street CARS will be overseen by a Project Board which will include Aberdeen City Councillors; representatives of the Planning and Sustainable Development Service (Aberdeen City Council); Aberdeen City Heritage Trust; Aberdeen Inspired; and the City Centre Community Council.
Longer term plans for Union Street under the City Centre Masterplan include giving pedestrians more priority.
* Anyone interested in applying for the scheme should phone Project Officer Jamie McNamara on 01224 523958 or 07919 691540 or email jmcnamara@aberdeencity.gov.uk.