Project partner, Grampian Housing Association has announced another milestone in its flagship regeneration project.  The Association’s Board of Management has approved a proposal to progress to tender stage for the former Victoria Road School in Torry, Aberdeen. 

The move comes following the decision by Aberdeen City Council to make Victoria Road School a grant funding priority within its affordable housing programme.  The Scottish Government has also confirmed that funding is available over 2020-21 and 2021-22 to complete the project which will be partly funded by Affordable Housing Grant.

Neil Clapperton, Chief Executive of Grampian Housing Association said:- “The Victoria Road School project has huge potential both in design terms and for a creative and supportive relationship with the community.  It may be a ray of hope in an otherwise bleak 2020.

“We are committed to regeneration in Torry and the project is true to the Association’s wider community anchor role.  Development tenders will be invited in March 2021 to realise our ambition.”

David Fryer, Lead Trustee of Torry Development Trust said:- “As 2020 draws to a close, the years of planning and development work on the Victoria Road School regeneration project has reached a critical point that sets the scene for a most welcome start on site early in 2021.  We believe that the value of partnership working and cross-sector collaboration involving many organisations shows that investment and regeneration in communities is the way forward that not only benefits Torry but Aberdeen as a whole.  We believe that everyone will welcome this good news for 2021 and beyond.”

David Murray, architect, DMA said:- “This is very welcome news for everyone who’s put so much effort into the project over the years.  The design and mix of accommodation has been carefully crafted to directly address local needs, to create a unique place and to build on its strong historical and community links.  It will provide facilities and amenities which will benefit not just the residents of the new flats and houses but also the wider community. We’re now very keen to get work started on site.”

In addition to moving to tender stage, works to ensure the site is safe and secure will continue including clearing the retained buildings and making them watertight as well as the demolition of two unsafe former storage buildings. 

Tenders will be invited through Public Contracts Scotland and it is hoped that the project will be of interest to a wide range of contractors.  It will of course provide much needed construction and supply chain jobs.  

The plans, which see the retention of two rare public granite buildings and construction of two new build blocks, have massive local support. In total the project will deliver 50 new homes on the site all of which will be for social rent.  In an area where there is high demand for affordable housing this is also welcomed by the community.  

The focus is on low carbon housing, smart maintenance and lifetime homes with support for an intergenerational community.

To provide support to families in the area, community space and a small nursery will also be included.

There is interest from third sector organisations for some joint initiatives to address a range of issues like fuel poverty, social isolation and active ageing.