Aberdeen’s historic Torry Battery will be transformed into a dolphin viewing site after councillors unanimously approved plans for its reuse.
They agreed to grant a five-year lease of the land to Greyhope Bay Ltd for a ‘peppercorn’ rent of £1 a year at yesterday’s full meeting of Aberdeen City Council.
The organisation has been fundraising to build a wildlife base and other amenities at the site and has already gathered in excess of £140,000.
The ambitious scheme was originally due to be built a short distance away at Greyhope Road, closer to the Girdle Ness Lighthouse.
That plan had a £10 million price tag but the decision was made to relocate to the historic battery last year following a public consultation.
In its application, the group promised to create an enclosed viewing platform overlooking the North Sea, with a coffee shop, decked access walkway, outside seating area and toilet facilities.
Torry councillor Yvonne Allan said: “This is a very welcome project for Torry and the city of Aberdeen and I would ask the council to support this.”
Councillors agreed and the motion was passed, meaning changed days for the artillery battery that has overlooked the city’s harbour since 1860.
It was used to defend Aberdeen during the First and Second World Wars, with guns operational at the site until it was finally decommissioned in 1956.
The battery is now a scheduled monument, meaning it is classed as a nationally significant historic building and therefore offered protection against unauthorised change.
