Work to refurbish seven multi-storey tower blocks in Aberdeen is to start within weeks after Keepmoat was appointed to the £17.5 million project.

The ‘Seaton 7’ project will tackle both the aesthetics and energy efficiency of the buildings in a two-year regeneration project, and follows the upgrading of four existing blocks in the Seaton area of the city.

At one point it was feared the tower blocks would have to be demolished.

Work will include the installation of an insulated “rainscreen” overcladding system for all seven blocks and new energy efficient windows for every home.

There will also be structural repairs and upgrades to the entrance, foyer area and ventilation systems of the buildings.

Keepmoat is to employ 80 people to carry out the work during the two-year project.

Councillor Neil Cooney from Aberdeen City Council, said: “We have already renovated four blocks in the Seaton area and this will be another seven which have been identified through our asset management plan as requiring renovation work.

“The work will include overcladding, new windows and energy efficiency measures.

“The benefits of this are that, as well as making the homes fully wind and water tight for the future, the tenants or residents will benefit from reduced fuel bills.

“This project, in conjunction with others throughout the city will go a long way to helping the council to meet its targets on providing safe and secure homes for its citizens, the highest standard of energy efficiency and warmth, alleviating fuel poverty and reducing carbon emissions.”

At one point it was feared the tower blocks would have to be demolished.

Eamonn McGarvey, regional managing director for Keepmoat in Scotland, added: “We are delighted to be working with Aberdeen City Council on the ‘Seaton 7’ project.

“Over the next couple of years, the delivery of this project will see the energy efficiency of the buildings greatly improved, which will significantly benefit residents by providing warmer homes and allowing them to reduce utility bills while enhancing the Aberdeen skyline.”