A two-year construction programme will then start on site as the old buildings make way for energy efficient low rise accommodation designed to complement the abbey and provide a place where people can enjoy living.

When finished, these 42 new high quality homes will be available for social rent and will reinvigorate the area.

The development will also improve access to the Abbey and High Street.

Specifications for the new development include: high quality design taking in references from the abbey and historical associations; low rise energy efficient accommodation to ensure the best views of the abbey; a mix of property sizes to enable a mix of families, couples and single people and close attention to the environment and landscaping, including car parking, to improve the approach to the Abbey.

The multi storey blocks originally on the site had long been unpopular and were increasingly difficult to let. It was also felt that they impacted negatively on business, retail and tourism.

The Abbey Quarter is important to Arbroath both as a central residential and retail area, but also as a major visitor destination due to the presence of the historic abbey.