Ballater station to be reopened by 2017
Plans have been approved to redevelopment the fire-ravaged Ballater station.
Plans have been approved to redevelopment the fire-ravaged Ballater station.
The facility, which was gutted by a huge blaze in 2015, was debated by the council’s Policy and Resources committee today.
Councillors agreed to the estimated cost of re-instatement and will now progress with identifying any shortfall and sourcing the required funds for the project.
It is hoped that work can get underway in December of this year and that the new station will be opened in December 2017.
The committee also approved that the project move to stage two which allows for the proposed solution to be fully worked up.
The report also follows a community consultation event at which residents gave their views on the overall development of the station.
Work will also support the development of pedestrian and cycle routes through the town with integration to wider local projects, such as the Deeside Way.
Chair of the Policy and Resources Committee Martin Kitts-Hayes said: "Due to the importance of this building, not only within the community but also at a national historical level, it is essential that the committee today were fully updated on this project. I am pleased to give the committees backing to moving it on to the next stage which will send a really positive message that Ballater is open for business."
Co-leader of Aberdeenshire Council Richard Thomson said: "There is an aspiration to create a fully integrated facility in this important location, and create better linkages with the town itself. By working in partnership and keeping a focus on timescales we are hopeful of delivering something of significance for residents and visitors alike".