Building Briefs – January 5th

The deadline for people wishing to speak at the further pre-determination hearing into the proposed new Aberdeen Football Club stadium has been extended.

The deadline is now 5pm on Monday, January 8, 2018, and only individuals who have submitted a representation in response to the further consultation which was carried out, are entitled to participate in the pre-determination hearing.

Anyone wanting to speak at the pre-determination hearing should contact Lynsey McBain at Lymcbain@aberdeencity.gov.uk or 01224 522123.

The further pre-determination hearing will take place on Wednesday, 17 January, 2018, from 9.30am in the council chamber.

A special Full Council meeting is to take place on Monday, 29 January, 2018, to consider the application by Aberdeen Football Club for planning consent for a new stadium and community facilities at Kingsford. The meeting will begin at 10.30am in the council chamber.

Kirkwall street revamp to begin

Work is to begin on a £1.8 million street redevelopment scheme in Kirkwall.

The Harbour Street paving project, funded by Sustrans, will upgrade the appearance of the area and encourage footfall along Harbour Street and into Bridge Street and the shopping area it leads to.

The three-week project is scheduled to get underway on Monday, 15 January.

As part of the development, motorists are being advised of temporary changes to traffic arrangements in Kirkwall while contractors work on renewing the road surface and paving at the entrance to Bridge Street.

More than £400,000 to be invested in Dundee play park

More than £400,000 is to be invested to upgrade a play park in Dundee.

The council’s Neighbourhood Services Committee will meet next week to approve plans for the improvement project at Camperdown Park.

Proposals include transforming the former boat pond into a large play area with a large ship, along with additional landscaping and installing play equipment, which will include a wheelchair inclusive boardwalk. Planting will also be introduced, while the play area will be resurfaced using sand, bark and grass.

Since 2012, works have been carried out at the park as part of an on-going development plan.

Islay Gaelic centre receives £97,000 investment boost

Up to £97,000 is to be invested into a Gaelic education and cultural heritage centre on the Isle of Islay.

The funding will enable the Islay Gaelic Centre to upgrade its early years and youth room, create new ancestry and heritage areas in the Centre, and make improvements to its facilities including the installation of a new energy-saving heating system.

The Gaelic Capital Fund investment will also fund new digital learning technology, with Gaelic-enabled software and apps, to benefit Islay-based students and distance-learning students throughout Argyll and the University of the Highlands and Islands network.

‘Contamination’ issues delay development of Dundee jute mill

Works to transform a historic jute mill site will not start until 2019 at the earliest after contamination issues were discovered.

Queen Victoria Works, built in 1828, has lain derelict since closing in the 1980s.

The site could be rejuvenated with the creation of up to 250 rooms for city students.

Based in Brook Street, the once thriving mill was home to Tay Spinners before its closure.

The B-listed buildings are in poor condition and likely to face demolition if city council bosses approve the development.

A public meeting was put off after the developer found issues with the site, including asbestos.

Architects James Paul Associates submitted the plans on behalf of Scot Properties Ltd.