01 March 2018
Regeneration in Fraserburgh reaches key milestone
Regeneration activities in Fraserburgh hit a key milestone recently with Aberdeenshire Council funding agreed to create a new Enterprise Hub in the town centre.
The Enterprise Hub, which will be based in the refurbished Council Chamber and former Police Station in Saltoun Square – to be known in the future as The Faithlie Centre - will provide help and support for local residents thinking about starting or growing their business.
Run in partnership between the Council and Elevator, it will provide specialist business advice, referrals and free desk space with computers, to entrepreneurs.
In 2016, Aberdeenshire Council agreed to set aside £1.137m to support projects that help to regenerate Fraserburgh over a five year period. With the funding of just over £101k agreed for the Enterprise Hub, over half of this money has now been allocated to projects in the town.
In addition to the Council’s investment, other funding totalling nearly £8.5 million has been secured for regeneration projects in Fraserburgh since 2014. This money comes from a variety of sources including the Scottish Government, Lottery Programmes, European funding, private investment and local fund-raising.
Projects that have been supported by Aberdeenshire Council’s regeneration programme include the new South Links running and football development, Fraserburgh Fitness Centre, Super Saturdays and Active Fraserburgh events, improvements to public areas and buildings in the town centre – including the mosaics in the Saltoun Square arcade, new housing projects, the harbour pontoons and the Fraserburgh Cinema.
The Fraserburgh Regeneration Development Partnership, made up of local Councillors, business and other partners, oversee the delivery of the Fraserburgh Regeneration Action Plan.
Chair of the Partnership, Cllr Brian Topping, said: “This is an important milestone for Fraserburgh. So much has been achieved over the last few years to improve facilities in the town, attract visitors and business and raise aspirations.
“Aberdeenshire Council’s investment in Fraserburgh is vital in securing the long term vitality of our town and more is still to come.”
Banff and Buchan Area Committee Chair, Cllr Andy Kille, said: “Sometimes our efforts take time to come to fruition and it can be difficult to see progress. However, so much good work has happened in Fraserburgh over recent years and we are committed to continue to help the town to reach its potential.”
The Fraserburgh Regeneration Action Plan can be seen online at: http://bit.ly/2on5ZRM