THE OLD TOWN HOUSE

13th Jan 2006

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One of Old Aberdeen's most famous landmarks is set to be restored to its former glory, thanks to the University of Aberdeen and the Heritage Lottery fund - who today announced a grant of £250,000.

The 200-year-old Town House, which has lain unused for 15 years, will receive a £800,000 transformation to become a visitor "gateway" to the University and to Old Aberdeen. External funding has been raised from the HLF, the Carnegie Trust for the Universities of Scotland, and alumni donations. The University will now embark upon a fundraising drive to raise the remaining £500,000.

The primary purpose of the building will be for student recruitment. It will provide space for prospective students, parents and school parties to find out more about studying at Aberdeen. The restored and refurbished building will feature reception and event/meeting room areas for the University, and facilities will be available for evening use by community groups and local societies. As well as welcoming prospective students, information on the area's history, buildings and public attractions will be shared with all visitors to Old Aberdeen through visual displays, oral presentations, written publications and guided walking tours.

Professor C Duncan Rice, Principal of the University of Aberdeen, welcomed the announcement: "The University is deeply grateful to the Heritage Lottery Fund for providing vital funding to back this important historic building. This project signifies an important step in the University's long-term commitment to conserving and enhancing the High Street area and offers excellent and novel opportunities to augment interest, understanding and enjoyment of Old Aberdeen's heritage.

Commenting from the Heritage Lottery Fund, Colin McLean, Manager for Scotland, said: "We are delighted to be able to award this grant to the University for the Old Townhouse. Bringing new uses to our built heritage is fundamental to the aims of the Heritage Lottery Fund. This project will bring a nationally recognised historic building back into use as a focal point in the High Street and we look forward to this, in turn, being a catalyst for new life and activity in this very special street."

Project Leader, Vice Principal Professor Dominic Houlihan, added: "The Town House will become a focal point for sharing the rich culture of our historic surroundings with local, national and international visitors to the City."

Professor Houlihan also praised Aberdeen City Council for its commitment to the project. The Council will retain ownership of the A-listed building but has agreed a long-term leasehold of 150 years with the University.

Councillor Kate Dean, Leader of Aberdeen City Council, said: "I am delighted that the University has been successful in securing funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund, and I look forward to seeing the Town House brought back into community use."

Aberdeen Central MSP and Aberdeen Graduate Lewis Macdonald added: "I am delighted this funding application has been successful. The Old Town House is a reminder of the centuries of history in Old Aberdeen. King's College was always central to that history, so it is particularly fitting that the University of Aberdeen will put the Old Town House to good use in the twenty-first century."

Work is due to begin on the Town House in August 2004, and it is expected to be ready for use by Spring 2005. Sympathetic restoration will include reinstatement of original features as well as sensitive adaptation of the internal layout to accommodate the building's new function. Included will be structural strengthening, timber decay eradication and new building services.

ENDS

Notes to editors:
Built by George Jaffray in 1788 and once used for the Burgh's Council proceedings and legal administration, the Town House is a unique Category A property on the Scottish Ministers list of nationally/internationally important buildings administered by Historic Scotland. Located between the important sites of St Machar's Cathedral (est. 1131) and King's College Chapel (est. 1495), it lies within an area already recognised for its architectural and cultural richness, and for its historic interest. A symbol for civilised indigenous architecture in Scotland, the Old Aberdeen Town House has been chosen as the logo of the Architectural Heritage Society of Scotland.

The Heritage Lottery Fund enables communities to celebrate, look after and learn more about our diverse heritage. From our great museums and historic buildings to local parks and beauty spots or recording and celebrating traditions, customs and history, Heritage Lottery Fund grants open up our nation's heritage for everyone to enjoy.

Further information:
Professor Dominic Houlihan, Vice Principal (Research and Commercialisation), will be available for interview/photographs today (Wed) from 1pm-1.30pm, and 3.30-5pm. In the first instance, please contact Jill Moir, Head of Communications, on (01224) 272012 to arrange. Alternatively, please contact Professor Houlihan on (01224) 523978.

For more information on the Heritage Lottery Fund, please contact Shiona Mackay on 01786 870638 or Owen Roffe on 020 7591 6046, out of hours 07973 613820. Website www.hlf.org.uk Issued by the Communications Office, External Affairs, University of Aberdeen, King's College, Aberdeen. Tel: (01224) 272012 Fax: (01224) 272086 Mob: 07866 430986 Contact: Jill Moir

Ref: 1411townhouse, June 30, 2004

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