The redevelopment of the gap site at Carmelite Street has been key in the wider regeneration of Banff town centre.

A partnership approach initiated through the CARs scheme secured the site which had lain derelict for around 25 years.

Three one-bedroom flats have now been successfully built which will provide much needed affordable rented housing in Banff.

The site is within the conservation area of Banff presented a number of challenges including ownership, conservation implications, as well as remediation and construction costs.

Provost of Aberdeenshire Hamish Vernal said: “It is always good to see derelict sites brought back in to use and especially where it will have lasting benefits for people and the town. This development once again highlights the council working with partners to provide quality affordable housing for people across Aberdeenshire.”

Approval was given by the Banff and Buchan Area Committee in January 2013 to proceed with the proposals which also formed part of phase 5 of Aberdeenshire Council’s New Build Programme. This contract was awarded to Ken Barbour and work was completed earlier this year.

Cllr John Cox, chair of Banff and Buchan Area Committee, said: “This project provides much needed affordable housing for people in Banff while regenerating an area which was derelict for many years. This is just one part of the CARs scheme which will also assist property owners along Bridge Street to conserve, repair or maintain their buildings to a heritage standard.”

The £500k development in Carmelite Street was supported and funded by regeneration funding, Aberdeenshire Council Housing Service, developer obligations, and the Scottish Government.