STONEHAVEN EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Stonehaven strategy is for sustainable development by giving the town tools and qualities which will satisfy the changing needs of its residents, workforce, and visitors. The Stonehaven Town Partnership included local community members and representatives of the major public concerns in the Northeast,: Aberdeenshire Council, Scottish Enterprise Grampian, and Communities Scotland. By combining residents' ideas and energies with the resources of public agencies, the Partnership was able to address Stonehaven's very specific needs.

The Plan
Launched in 1998, the following five goals guided Stonehaven Town Partnership's development activities:

To highlight, protect, and improve the physical setting of the town.
Stonehaven's natural features are key assets to daily activity. Top priority was a programme of works to stabilise and make improvements to areas such as the harbour, the town centre, the beach and the recreation area, in order to maximise their uses by residents and visitors.

To identify potential housing and employment sites which suit the setting of the town.
Recognising that there was little space within Stonehaven's physical boundaries for development, the focus turned to making the most of vacant and under-used properties. These have been identified and are monitored or promoted for potential employment or housing.

To support and develop local businesses.
With no space to build large employment concerns, it is local small-scale businesses, which have the potential to increase employment. These and the possibility of expanding tourism activity were addressed through a number of projects.

To develop and improve community and tourist infrastructure.
Stonehaven and the surrounding area have considerable visitor appeal but lack quality facilities and a tourism strategy. Several action points aim to improve the town's community and recreational facilities and to build upon its cultural features, such as its many festivals.

To enhance the image and improve the perception of the town.
Stonehaven residents and workers can be justly proud of their town and this attitude should be promoted widely. A number of community groups continue to progress event coordination, tourism marketing, garden and park enhancements, public art projects and development of civic pride.

Progress
Since 1998 ATP's Stonehaven plan produced lasting results:

Improvements to the town's Harbour, Baywalk, Railway Station, Market Square, Bervie Braes and Den of Logie are securing the town's environmental assets.

• A number of affordable housing projects including 21 sheltered units and 6 general needs units at Robert Street, 13 low cost units at Arduthie Road and Braehead and 30 units for rent at Arduthie Road.
• Tourist and pedestrian signs were sited at key locations.
• Targeted support for business and the Stonehaven Business Association strengthened local commerce and improved services.
• Community Groups such as “Stonehaven….It's Special”, Horizon, PARCS, the Community Council, Business Association, Friends of the Pool, Stonehaven Arts and Leisure Trust, and Horticultural Society continue to lead efforts to improve events and amenities for residents and tourists.

Community involvement continues to be essential to the success of the Stonehaven Partnership.
 

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