ABERDEEN City Council & Aberdeenshire Council has been given a share of £30 million to go towards new investment for town centres.
Figures released by the Scottish Government confirmed Aberdeenshire Council has been awarded £1,179,000 (6.60%) and Aberdeen City Council £484,000 (2.70%) of the £18 million pot.
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The funding will be available immediately through the Regeneration Capital Grant Fund (RCGF) and the Town Centre Fund (TCF), both delivered in partnership between Scottish Government and COSLA.
An Aberdeenshire Council spokeswoman said: “Aberdeenshire Council welcome the announcement of the additional town centre funding and are proactively instigating measures to ensure the funding is allocated within the timescales set once the fund is launched.
“We are currently consulting with our key community groups to identify projects which could be delivered in the necessary timeframe.”
An Aberdeen City Council spokeswoman said: “We welcome the Town Centre Fund grant which will help us continue to ensure our city centre is a vibrant destination for residents and visitors.
“The grant will be used on capital projects and we will be in discussions with partner organisations regarding the funding.”
Aileen Campbell, communities secretary, said: “We want to go beyond rebuilding – to refresh and reform and help drive the social and economic renewal necessary to achieve the best future for Scotland.
“This further £30 million capital funding for regeneration and town centres will stimulate local construction across Scotland and support disadvantaged areas in the recovery.
“Communities are best placed to identify specific needs and aspirations and this regeneration funding enables the delivery of a wide range of locally-developed projects to be made into reality.
“Our places must work for our communities, and the Town Centre Funding will build on the success of last year’s fund. With it, local authorities will be able to drive forward projects that help people live better locally and reduce their carbon footprint while driving footfall to local businesses.”
Councillor Steven Heddle, COSLA environment and economy spokesperson, said: “The additional challenges facing Scotland’s most vulnerable communities due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic means there has never been a more important time to strengthen the economic, social, and physical wellbeing of our places.
“This additional funding for the Regeneration Capital Grant Fund and Town Centre Fund will support the regeneration aspirations of our communities, and also accelerate the delivery of projects to support the recovery, tackle disadvantage and deprivation and support jobs.”
Both Aberdeen & Aberdeenshire Council have been contacted for comment by ABN.
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