A 140-year-old school in the heart of Royal Deeside could be transformed into affordable homes for families and individuals.
The Grampian Housing Association (GHA) has lodged plans with Aberdeenshire Council seeking to renovate the C-listed Old School site in Ballater into 27 rented homes.
Dating back to 1877, the property was used by local youngsters until the 1960s when they were transferred to a more modern school.
It then served as an outdoor centre for a number of years, but has remained unoccupied since the 1990s.
Craig Stirrat, director of business development at the GHA, said the plans would bring the disused buildings at the site back to life, and provide vital housing for Ballater residents.
If approved, the project’s construction will be led by infrastructure firm Robertson Group.
He said: “We believe our proposals will bring back into productive use a vacant community asset to help address the high demand for affordable housing in Ballater.
“It will give local people the opportunity to access high-quality homes.
“The site is in an excellent location and will be extremely popular.
“If our planning application is successful, we would hope that Robertson Construction can begin refurbishment and new build works at the end of this year, with the first tenants moving in at the end of 2018.”
Funding for the project, designed by Ian Rodger Architects, has been provided by the Scottish Government and Aberdeenshire Council.
Robertson Group chief operating officer, Derek Shewan, added: “Affordable housing is an important sector for our business, and we’re really pleased to be working again with Grampian Housing Association to deliver high quality, energy efficient homes in Ballater.”
The details of the proposed development are currently on display in the window of Ian Rodger Architects, on Bridge Street in Ballater.
Anyone wishing to make their opinions known to the developers can leave comments during office hours, or attend a public information event on August 9 between 3pm and 7.30pm in the Victoria and Albert Halls at Station Square.
