One of Old Aberdeen’s most famous landmarks, which has been restored to its former glory thanks to an £800,000 transformation, was officially opened on Friday, October 21, by the Rt Hon Tessa Jowell MP, Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport.
Ms Jowell cut the ribbon to open The Old Town House which has been transformed to provide a visitor “gateway” to the University and to Old Aberdeen.
The 200-year-old Town House, which has lain unused for 15 years, has undergone a massive transformation over the past 11 months thanks to the University of Aberdeen and the Heritage Lottery Fund.
The project received £250,000 from the HLF, as well as funds from the Carnegie Trust for the Universities of Scotland, and alumni donations. The University of Aberdeen raised the remaining £500,000 for the project.
Rt Hon Tessa Jowell, MP, a former pupil of St Margaret’s School for Girls, said she was delighted to be returning to the city.
She said: “I am honoured to return to Aberdeen to reopen one of the city’s most distinguished buildings. As an Aberdeen graduate and a former Old Aberdeen resident, I am delighted to be involved in this momentous occasion.
“This ambitious restoration project signifies the University’s commitment to the conservation of Old Aberdeen’s heritage and ensures future generations of students can enjoy this invaluable resource.”
Project Leader, Vice Principal, Professor Dominic Houlihan, University of Aberdeen, is delighted that The Old Town House has been given a place in a modern community setting.
He said: “The University is deeply grateful to the Heritage Lottery Fund, the Carnegie Trust for the Universities of Scotland, and all other funders, 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.
“This restoration project has created a focal point for life in the University and the Old Town, demonstrating the important role of heritage in our lives.”
Professor Houlihan also praised Aberdeen City Council for its commitment to the project. The Council will retain ownership of the building but has agreed a long-term leasehold of 150 years with the University.
Professor C Duncan Rice, Principal of the University of Aberdeen, said: “The reopening of The Old Town House is a momentous occasion and we are delighted that Ms Jowell, as an Aberdeen graduate, will do the honour of opening this important building. We are very much looking forward to welcoming her back to Old Aberdeen.
“This unique project has provided a wonderful opportunity to bring a long-neglected historic building back into daily public use as an information and reception facility for the benefit of all who visit Old Aberdeen.”
The primary purpose of the A-listed property 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.
The Old Town House had been sympathetically restored including reinstatement of original features as well as sensitive adaptation of the internal layout to accommodate the building’s new function. Restoration work also included structural strengthening, timber decay eradication and new building services.
The interior design was led by the award-winning Jestico & Whiles, in collaboration with Anderson Construction (Aberdeen).
Commenting from the Heritage Lottery Fund, Colin McLean, Manager for Scotland, said: "We are thrilled to have been able to help with the restoration of this famous local landmark, creating a focal point for life in the University and Old Town and illustrating the important role of heritage in our lives.
“The Heritage Lottery Fund is dedicated to opening up and maximising the use of heritage gems like this, and I have no doubt that The Old Town House will be a valuable asset to the University and local community in Old Aberdeen.”