£2Million Regeneration Boost For Aberdeenshire

£2million from the Housing Estate Regeneration Fund (HERF) has been assigned to Aberdeenshire. Managed by Communities Scotland, the Executive’s housing and regeneration agency, the fund supports local authorities’ housing strategies and local regeneration needs.

Communities Minister, Malcolm Chisholm said: “This funding is available from Communities Scotland to support councils who have demonstrated that they can retain their housing stock and meet the Scottish Housing Quality Standard by 2015. The information that Aberdeenshire has provided indicates that it can do so.”

The money will fund projects in Peterhead and Fraserburgh which will build new homes and create environmental improvements linked to community safety and health and well being.

In Peterhead 20 flats will be demolished on the corner of Ugie Street and St Peter Street and be replaced with eight new homes for social rent. The properties will be managed by Tenants First Housing Cooperative.

Following last week’s discussion at the Social Work and Housing committee meeting, Councillor Anne Robertson, Chair of the Council’s Social Work and Housing Committee commented: “I am very pleased that the Scottish Executive has recognised that significant regeneration needs exist in Fraserburgh and Peterhead.

“This investment will provide a visible difference in two of Aberdeenshire’s key communities, supporting the continued implementation of the regeneration plans in Fraserburgh, which are being taken forward through the Building Buchan New Beginnings initiative, and also helping deliver part of the Peterhead Town Strategy.

“I look forward to continuing to work with our partners in making these plans a reality which will provide a real benefit to the people of both towns. I am also pleased that the Minister has recognised that Aberdeenshire can retain its council housing stock and meet the Scottish Housing Quality Standard set by the Scottish Executive.”