The next phase of a multimillion-pound scheme to regenerate a north-east town will offer property owners up to £10,000 to refurbish their shop fronts.
Members of the Fraserburgh Conservation Area Regeneration Scheme (Cars) met last month to agree to the proposals which form part of a £5.7million project to renovate historic buildings within the port.
The scheme – part of the Fraserburgh 2021 initiative – aims to revive the fortunes of the town over the next four years.
The Fraserburgh Town House in Saltoun Square and the adjacent former police station on Kirk Brae, are also in line for transformational work to become the new “face” of the local authority within the community.
The new-look building will offer community facilities, including office space for local start-ups, and a dedicated centre to educate, support and accelerate business growth.
The Cars board is made up of local councillors, Fraserburgh Development Trust, the community council, Fraserburgh Heritage Society, and representatives from the town’s secondary school and college.
Last night, local councillor Brian Topping, a member of the group, said he was positive the grants would “speed up” regeneration efforts.
He added: “The vision is to transform the image and quality of the historic core of Fraserburgh by investing in the unique built and cultural heritage.
“This will be achieved through a number of key priority projects including the restoration of the Town House and former police station on Kirk Brae.”
During the next four years, it is hoped that other buildings – including the John Trail book shop which has been vacant since 2009 – will become the focus of regeneration works.
Banff and Buchan area committee chairman, John Cox, added that the money available for local businesses could lead to “big improvements” in the way the town looks.
He said: “The launch of the small grant scheme in 2017 will enable property owners within the conservation area to claim up to £10,000 for eligible works.
“I am pleased the project board has agreed the framework for delivery of the scheme and would encourage property owners to make the most of this opportunity when the scheme is launched early this year.”
