Councillors have named Grampian Housing Association and community group the Torry Development Trust as preferred bidders to regenerate a former primary school site in Aberdeen.

First built in 1878, the granite Victoria Road school in Torry has been the subject of numerous development plans since it closed its doors in 2008.

Councillors put the site on the market in March, with the aim of retaining the original granite buildings, and have now agreed to the joint plans to convert the former school into affordable housing.

There will also be a nursery and community space.

Neil Clapperton, chief executive of Grampian Housing Association, told The Press and Journal: “This approval recognises the importance of restoring and bringing back into use these granite heritage buildings.

“We are committed to formal consultations as part of the development process and we look forward to working with the community to progress our proposals for much-needed affordable housing along with a nursery and community space to regenerate the area for the people to Torry.

“We will be able to lever considerable Scottish Government funding, estimated to be £5 million, while the project is part of Grampian Housing Association’s capital programme that looks to build 400 new homes by 2021.”

David Fryer, from the Torry Development Trust, added: “Our project reflects the desire and ambitions of the community of Torry, and many folk, far and wide, who wanted to see these fine granite buildings continue to meet local needs.

“The proposed restoration will ensure that the granite heart of Old Torry will beat strongly for the next 100 years and more.”