Aberdeenshire Towns Conference Comes to Fraserburgh

Following a successful inaugural event in 2015 the Aberdeenshire Town Conference is returning and is heading to Fraserburgh next month. (April 22)

This year the conference will be part of North-east Business Week, with the title: “Investment and Development – Strengthening Aberdeenshire’s Town Centres”. Those with an interest in property investment and development are encouraged to attend the free event.

The conference will hear from a range of keynote speakers expert in their fields, and provide information on various funding streams of interest. Aberdeenshire Council’s regeneration and town centres manager, Christine Webster, will launch the council’s new Property Investment Fund.

This will be available to investors and property owners in Peterhead, Fraserburgh, Banff and Macduff, to help bring empty and derelict buildings back into use. Moira Simpson, an affordable housing development officer, will give information on the Aberdeenshire Empty Homes Loan Fund.

Information on funding options will be also be provided by The Royal Bank of Scotland’s Business Banking Director, Keith Pope. Diarmaid Lawlor of Architect and Design Scotland will speak on issues regarding empty space, town centre planning and shared space.

Bill Duguid from Ryden will give a brief update on the current market and will talk about investment and development within town centres. Tom Duff, a historic architect from LDN architects in Forres, will discuss ideas around listed buildings within conservation areas.

There will be networking opportunities over lunch and a chance to see what properties are for sale in the Banff, Macduff, Fraserburgh and Peterhead areas. Information on developments within those towns will also be available, and the day will finish with a walk around Fraserburgh town centre for anyone who is interested.

SNP councillor for Fraserburgh & District Brian Topping said:

“I’m delighted that Fraserburgh has managed to secure this event. Regeneration is a top priority for Aberdeenshire Council and with cross-party approval for the Council Administration’s refreshed strategy just last week, this conference is very timely indeed.”

Fellow Broch SNP councillor Charles Buchan added:

“This is set to be a very useful event and will share information and opportunities with community groups, local businesses, property owners and a range of other interested parties.

“We have an excellent range of presentations from a variety of organisations which I hope will be of benefit to those attending seeking information and sources of funding.”

Aberdeenshire Council’s Head of Economic Development, Belinda Miller, said:

“There’s a lot happening in terms of regeneration in Aberdeenshire, with a real focus on these four northern towns, and we have some exciting initiatives we want to share with the development industry and professionals.

“Building on the first town conference, we hope this will be an event which communicates new and innovative ideas and will be of use to all those with an interest in property investment and development.

“Spaces at the conference are limited so I encourage anyone who wants to attend to register their interest as soon as possible.”

Christine Webster added:

“The council’s Policy and Resources Committee recently confirmed £400,000 for the purposes of tackling derelict properties in the regeneration towns of Banff, Macduff, Fraserburgh and Peterhead.

“The fund is an important part of the council’s Regeneration Strategy, which should help breathe new life into towns and villages.

“The aim is to bring prominent, town centre properties which have been empty for at least six months, back into use.

“Applications will be open to individuals, community groups or businesses who own and wish to invest in their property to bring new, sustainable uses and we will be formally launching the fund at the Town Conference.”

Any architects, surveyors, estate agents, investors and developers, property owners, town centre businesses or community groups looking to invest should book via Eventbrite before Tuesday 19 April. Refreshments and lunch will be provided.

For more information or if you have a query about the Aberdeenshire Town Conference, please email: audrey.michie@aberdeenshire.gov.uk.