Councillors have unanimously backed a bid to apply for £1.5million to enhance Aberdeen’s iconic granite mile.
The local authority will now seek the funding from Historic Environment Scotland to help repair and preserve key buildings on Union Street as part of a Conservation Area Regeneration Scheme (CARS).
Yesterday’s meeting of the full council agreed in principle to release up to £1.5million of necessary match funding from the City Centre Masterplan budget – bringing the potential total to £3million.
Funding would be used for the restoration of roofs and frontages as well as the reinstatement of architectural features and shop fronts.
The programme of repairs would be carried out during a five-year period, with a project manager recruited to oversee the work.
Finance convener Willie Young said: “For a variety of reasons, some Union Street buildings have fallen into disuse, especially the upper floors, and they have deteriorated as a result.
“A CARS programme would make them sound again through working in partnership with owners and occupiers.
“The council will make the strongest possible case for support for a CARS programme from Historic Environment Scotland.”
Barney Crockett, vice-chairman of Aberdeen City Heritage Trust, added: “We have been supporting repair in the city over the past decade.
“It supports the principle of further focused repair investment in Union Street, which is widely regarded as a street in need of improvement.”
Adrian Watson, chief executive of Aberdeen Inspired, said: “We are delighted that an investment of this kind has been approved.
“It is one of our main aims to restore pride to Union Street and the programme will bring tremendous benefits to residents and visitors on the thoroughfare.
“Union Street can still be the jewel in Aberdeen’s crown, but organisations have to continue to work together to achieve this.”
SNP group leader Stephen Flynn added: “The key thing is that we get this funding that will hopefully allow us to make Union Street [fit] for the times we live in.”
Council officers will report the outcome of the bid to a future meeting of the finance committee.
I
t is expected that a decision will be made by Historic Environment Scotland towards the New Year.