A multi-million pound project which aims to restore Aberdeen's historic Green to its former glory is now underway.

The Green Townscape Heritage Initiative (THI) has been set up to tackle the problems of rundown historic buildings and streetscape where long-standing economic and structural decline have undermined the character of the architecturally-rich area.

The project, which aims to deliver a co-ordinated approach to the regeneration of this area with public and private sector partnerships, has secured £1.4m of funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund, £525,000 from Aberdeen City Council, £525,000 from Scottish Enterprise and £350,000 from Historic Scotland.

Aberdeen Council Leader John Stewart said: "Today marks an important step in the further development of the Green and it is great to have the go-ahead from Heritage Lottery to invite applications to start spending on improving the properties in the area.


"The Green THI provides a welcome opportunity to secure investment in key buildings in the area, as well as provide support for homeowners and businesses to improve their properties."

Colin McLean, Head of the Heritage Lottery Fund in Scotland, added: "The Green area of Aberdeen is set to become a well-connected, dynamic area where café culture will thrive alongside small specialist shops and galleries.

"It will be wonderful to see new life breathed into these historic buildings and we are delighted that it is our Townscape Heritage Initiative that is helping drive it forward."

According to Martin Fairley, Historic Scotland's Head of Investment and policy, the planned works will also benefit smaller homes and businesses.

The grant schemes are available to nearly all property owners in the area who wish to undertake high quality repair and restoration of buildings with architectural or group merit.

There is potential for the development of a distinct city neighbourhood in The Green, characterised by cafes, restaurants, specialist shops, galleries and a revitalised Tivoli Theatre.

(GK/KMcA)