Multi-million-pound efforts to create dozens of modern council flats on Union Street in Aberdeen are under way.
The city centre building has been surrounded in scaffolding as constriction crews begin revamping the dilapidated block next to the Music Hall.
It’s expected the work on 206 Union Street could be complete by the end of the year.
And leaders hope that having more people living on the Granite Mile will deliver a major economic boost.
But Aberdeen City Council’s housing budget is currently under threat as officials battle to rehome hundreds of Torry residents amid an ongoing Raac crisis.
And, depending on how that goes, it could be some time before people are able to move in…
Why is Aberdeen City Council creating new flats on Union Street?
The space was formerly occupied by a YMCA building, but it was demolished in 1965 to make way for this block.
Aberdeen City Council formed the plans to breathe new life into the water-damaged flats in order to offer “much-needed” affordable housing.
Hot water tanks and electric radiators are all to be replaced with modern models, and all windows will be triple glazed.
And getting more people to live on Union Street is part of the council’s ambitious city centre masterplan.
What is the latest on the plans?
At a recent meeting, councillors learned that a deal had been struck for Glasgow-based Ogilvie construction to act as principal contractor on the scheme.
External upgrades are now under way.
This will include installing a new roof, windows, fabric repairs and ensuring all 28 one-bedroom social apartments are up to scratch.
Documents say the project has a gross budget of £3.7m.
How long will it take?
Officials have warned that further work will depend on how much money is available.
Documents state: “The extent of internal works that will be carried out will be dependent on the budget constraints as works progress.
“The initial appointment covers the external works only including the roof and windows.”
What does this have to do with Torry Raac crisis?
During a recent meeting, it was specified that the cost of the Raac crisis could have a knock-on effect across the housing department.
Chief officer John Wilson said “the honest answer was he didn’t know” when asked about this prospect.
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He explained that the cost of dealing with the Raac situation will depend on how the council opts to deal with the affected homes in Torry.
Just days ago, residents learned that decisions were yet to be made on whether to repair or demolish them.
And the unfolding drama has already impacted on council house spending – as officials confirmed the home improvements budget would be raided to cover relocation costs.
Meanwhile, the SNP’s Dell Henrickson suggested the council could “put something on the scaffolding to tell people what’s going on” at 206 Union Street.
He said the project was a “good news story”.
Officers pledged to look into the idea.
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