Hunter Construction (Aberdeen) Ltd will undertake the ambitious works which are expected to commence in April.

The scheme will link up various strategic projects and key areas of the town.

Its overarching vision is to make it an attractive environment for small shops and businesses as well as re-instating the key link between Old Market Place and the town centre. 

Key features include lantern lighting columns, penny farthing-inspired cycle stands and a 22kw vehicle charging point in the adjacent car park area which is also to be redeveloped as part of this project.

The design team says the plan captures the aspirational vision of an attractive, safe and pleasant environment by creating a street where pedestrians feel they can move freely anywhere and where drivers should feel they are a guest.  

This is being encouraged by placing an emphasis on pedestrian movement rather than functioning purely as an area to park or as a through-route for vehicles. 

The project received a £709,030 share of the £3.28 million awarded to Aberdeenshire Council through the Scottish Government’s Town Centre Regeneration Fund which is aimed at driving local economic activity and stimulating and supporting economic improvements.

Banff and Buchan area committee chair Cllr Doreen Mair said: “I am delighted the project has appointed contractors and look forward to works commencing in the very near future. Bridge Street presents a challenging but unique environment and the results will be transformational for the area.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank all our officers for their commitment to the delivery of the project and our external funders who are making this proposal become a reality.”

Vice-chair Cllr Michael Roy added: “There is a real sense of anticipation in Banff at the moment surrounding both the public realm improvement works and the likes of the Vinery project. Enhancing our town centre environment and making it more appealing and accessible for visitors will also be of real benefit for the shops and businesses in and around Bridge Street.”