North-east councillors have roundly welcomed a regeneration scheme, which could transform a run-down area of Banff.
The Banff and Buchan area committee met in the town yesterday to discuss the new strategy and backed Aberdeenshire Council officers’ vision for the port.
The local authority is proposing a complete renovation of the heart of the fishing town, focusing on Bridge Street and creating a new housing scheme on disused industrial land.
The initiative, which was unanimously backed yesterday, has been drawn up by Aberdeen consultancy firm Halliday Fraser Munro.
In his report to local councillors, Aberdeenshire’s infrastructure director, Stephen Archer, confirmed the council could now allocate funding for the scheme.
He said: “This represents a positive approach to redevelopment in this area. It also identifies measures to improve the street scene and connectivity of Bridge Street in order to increase the footfall to the street.”
As part of the proposals, new land for housing has been side aside near Church Street, at the site of a former granite works. The redevelopment could include flats, restaurants and cafes as well as leisure facilities and offices for new firms.
Last night, committee vice-chairman, Brian Topping, who led the discussions, said: “It found favour – I summed up at the end and I am absolutely in favour of this. It’s great news for the town of Banff.
“It really is first-class work that has been done, so a big thank you goes to the council officers. We’re looking to open up and brighten up Bridge Street.
“Local businesses and the community can sign up to help out and there will be grants available. It was very well received by the committee.”
Councillor Hamish Partridge added: “I’m delighted to support this paper, it’s a fantastic development for Banff and a real vision for the future. Hopefully, we can start to see this now develop into reality.”
Banff is one of Aberdeenshire Council’s four regeneration priority towns, alongside its neighbour Macduff as well as Fraserburgh and Peterhead.
