Regeneration in Aberdeenshire
In Scotland, local authorities like Aberdeenshire Council have responsibility for Local Regeneration. The Scottish Government defines regeneration as “the holistic process of reversing the economic, physical and social decline of places where market forces alone won’t suffice.”
In March 2016, Aberdeenshire Council approved a new regeneration strategy:“From Strategy to Action: Developing Excellence in our North Coast Communities” which focuses on our four northern towns of Banff, Macduff, Fraserburgh and Peterhead.
One of our regeneration priorities across all four towns is to promote and attract new business and skilled professionals to support the local economy. To help achieve this aim we will be producing short films about each town. The first film produced covers the areas of Banff and Macduff. Watch the Banff and Macduff film.
Local partnerships
Local partnerships have been established in each of the four towns consisting of local business and community representatives. This is to allow each partnership to set out the vision for regeneration within their own town. Each of the partnership have developed their own vision and action plan.
Banff vision statement
Banff is a connected, prosperous destination, where businesses are developed and its coastal location on the Moray Firth is maximised. Cultural and heritage assets are enriched, to create an attractive townscape and so people are inspired to become the best they can be.
The action themes are:
- Diverse economy
- Infrastructure and connectivity
- People and community
View the Banff and Macduff end of programme report (PDF 3.73MB). Find out more about Banff and Macduff: Focusing on the Future on Facebook.
Macduff vision statement
With genuine maritime past, present and future, Macduff is a thriving town where hard work is rewarded by excellent social and community opportunities. Where there is strong civic pride in a distinctive townscape and an ethical society focused on benefiting all. Where the young are supported to make tomorrow's history and where life is evolving with new ideas and business openings.
The action themes are:
- Place development - destination Macduff
- Community well-being and quality of life
- Diverse and forward facing economy
View our Banff and Macduff end of programme report (PDF 3.73MB). Find out more about Banff and Macduff: Focusing on the Future on Facebook.
Fraserburgh vision statement
Fraserburgh is vibrant and open for business, a town which looks outward whilst also caring for its community. Deserving of a reputation for excellence as one of the UK’s finest maritime towns, with a distinctive public realm of the highest quality, retaining a memory of place whilst creating new places to draw on the legacy of earlier generations. A town which places inclusion and enterprise at the heart of everything it does, developing an innovative and creative culture that empowers people.
The action themes are:
- The economy
- The environment
- People, communities, health and well-being
View the Fraserburgh end of programme report (PDF 2.34MB). Find out about the Fraserburgh Beach Masterplan.
You can also visit Fraserburgh: Focusing on the Future on Facebook.
Peterhead vision statement
Peterhead is the vibrant economic heart for the Buchan communities and reaches out to the world through its maritime industry, enterprise, ambition, culture and its communities.
Peterhead’s town centre has been rediscovered with improved facilities including a diverse quality family friendly shopping/leisure experience and evening economy with interesting cultural events.
The distinct communities in Peterhead work together to celebrate differences with renewed civic confidence and pride of place. This is an independent, energised, committed and supportive community town.
The action themes are:
- Local economy - Peterhead open to the world
- Integrating the communities
- Connecting reinforcing and rediscovering Peterhead’s town centre
View the Peterhead end of programme report (PDF 2.55MB). For more information visit Peterhead: Focusing on the Future on Facebook.
Property investment fund
The aim of the Property Investment Fund (PIF) is to bring prominent, redundant, town centre properties back into use through grant support. The property must have lain empty for at least six months at the date of application.
Whilst the fund is currently closed for new applications, we continue to welcome enquiries from individuals, community groups or businesses who own or wish to invest in property to bring new, sustainable uses to properties across Aberdeenshire.
Please email your enquiry to econdev@aberdeenshire.gov.uk, and a member of our team will contact you to discuss your requirements.
Regeneration and town centre contacts
Christine Webster
Regeneration and Town Centres Manager
Telephone: 01467 535918
Email: christine.webster@aberdeenshire.gov.uk
Suzanne Rhind
Strategic Town Centres Executive (Aberdeenshire-wide)
Telephone: 01467 539640
Email: suzanne.rhind@aberdeenshire.gov.uk
David McCubbin
Banff, Fraserburgh and Macduff Town Centre Project Officer
Telephone: 01467 468643
Email: david.mccubbin2@aberdeenshire.gov.uk
Emma Stanford
Peterhead Town Centre Project Officer
Telephone: 01467 533704
Email: emma.standford@aberdeenshire.gov.uk
Tim Dring
Project Assistant – Regeneration and Town Centres
Telephone: 01467 469185
Email: tim.dring2@aberdeenshire.gov.uk