AN event is to be held in Aberdeen to provide owners and occupiers of historic buildings with renovation advice.
Surveyors, architects, construction professionals, students and representatives of local heritage and regeneration groups are all welcome at the free event, which will feature presentations followed by question and answer sessions.
The city council is hosting the Built Heritage Conservation and Community Engagement Workshop at the Music Hall on May 20.
There will be a strong focus on the Union Street Conservation Area Regeneration Scheme (CARS), a £2.4 million grants programme jointly funded by the council and Historic Environment Scotland with further backing from Aberdeen Inspired. Union Street CARS grants can, subject to eligibility criteria, cover up to 60% of repairs and 75% of shopfront improvement costs. Conditions include a commitment to future maintenance.
The workshop has been developed by Dr Marc Ellington, executive director of the Scottish Traditional Skills Training Centre. He said, “This major event, which is the first of its kind to be held in the north east, will provide those participating with highly useful information concerning the requirements necessary in order to maximise the cultural, social and economic benefits offered by the outstanding built heritage within the city of Aberdeen.”
Workshop presenters will include Paul Higson, project manager of the North East Scotland Preservation Trust.
Mr Higson has delivered built heritage conservation projects throughout the region, including the £2 million conversion of a derelict sail-making factory in Portsoy into The Sail Loft Bunkhouse. The line-up also includes Dr James Simpson OBE, a board member of The Royal Commission on Historic Buildings and Monuments; Craig Wilson, a lecturer in building pathology and star of the Channel 4 show Demolition; and Marcus Binney CBE, founder of Save Britain’s Heritage.
Aberdeen City Council planners will share information about conservation and how to apply for funding support.
To book tickets, visit https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/built-heritage-conservation-community-engagement-workshop-tickets-61043586009
