A REPORT presented to Aberdeenshire Council’s Infrastructure Services Committee on Thursday gives an insight into millions of pounds of investment being enjoyed across the Shire – mostly elsewhere
Five years ago Westminster announced a five-year Place Based Investment Programme. Since then, £325 million has been invested nationally for community-led regeneration, town centre revitalisation, community wealth building and local resilience projects.
Some £130 million came to Scotland where Aberdeenshire Council’s share was £6,625,951 – the fourth highest of any local authority. The fund was administered by the Infrastructure Services Committee with input from area teams.
Thursday’s report shows how that money has been invested. It makes for an interesting read. Here are some examples of the kinds of project being supported and the money offered to applicants ranging from the local authority itself, community councils, project trusts and community clubs and groups:
A community-owned hub in Huntly packed with vitality and even a cinema – £824,151 and £145,000
A skatepark in Fraserburh – £216,000
An Ellon cycling/walking path – £210,000
Tarlair Pavilion redevelopment – £497,209 and £162,724
Alford pump park and trails – £200,000
Huntly CCTV system – £75,460
Access improvements to Westhill’s Denmark Park and Arnhall Nature Reserve – £18,761 and £221,206
Huntly advice hub and charity shop redevelopment – £405,000
Banchory’s Tillybrake sports hub – £250,000
Ellon allotments – £147,595
Addressing Thursday’s committee, strategic regeneration executive Alastair Rhind said: ”The key thing is the place based investment was shaped by the needs and aspirations of local communities and supported by evidence to show positive transformation or economic impact.”
Stonehaven would appear to have modest ‘needs and aspirations’ – out of over £6million pounds we received £130,000 towards the necessary repairs at the Youth Club building on the High Street.
Same again next time?
The Infrastructure Services Committee broadly congratulated itself on its effective administration of the funding programme and agreed the same manner of governance should be adopted if the fund is repeated.