Plans for new community hub move forward
24 October 2016
Residents in Tillydrone have backed new concepts for a multi-million pound state-of-the art community hub.
The facility will replace an existing shopping centre on Hayton Road with a fit-for-purpose multi-use hub which may include a library, crèche, retail space, training kitchen, business start-up unit, games halls for fitness and recreation as well as on site council services for housing tenants, community support and priority families outreach.
Aberdeen City Council has pledged £4.1million for the complex and has been shortlisted for £1.9million grant which would take the designs even further.
If successful in the funding application, the hub will deliver a wide range of services that locals have identified as being crucial to supporting individuals and families in Tillydrone.
Aberdeen City Council’s spokesman for Regeneration and Transport Councillor Ross Grant said: “Our design concept for this new centre has received widespread support from residents in the area.
“It will tick all the boxes by providing both educational and IT space for children and adults, leisure amenities and access to support networks.
“However, we have also tried to help those most in need with the inclusion of a laundry for those who need access, a training kitchen to teach families how to create healthy, home-cooked meals and access to shower facilities for those who may not have hot water.
“In this way, the hub will not just be a centre for learning and fun but can also act as a lifeline for those who struggling with everyday needs.
“These are exciting times for Tillydrone, and I am confident that this significant investment in infrastructure will help to strengthen our already close-knit community and provide opportunities for local people to prosper no matter what their circumstances might be.”
Plans are in place to develop a new school for the area and to build more low-cost housing and Aberdeen City Council recently announced over £50,000 to be spent by the communities for Tillydrone, Seaton and Woodside on their priorities which were outlined at a recent event in the area.
The event saw around 80 residents turn out to give their views on the future of their neighbourhoods, with follow up meetings now to be held to decide how the money is best spent.
Lynne Digby, vice chairperson at Tillydrone Community Flat said: “The community hub is much needed in Tillydrone and it is very positive and exciting for the local area.
“It is something fresh and new for the community and I hope that everyone can be involved.”
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