Arbroath £20 Million Regeneration Project Spend Approved
Town Regeneration, Outdoor Activities & Community Spaces Given Seal of Approval
Arbroath’s draft plan for how to spend £20 million in regeneration funding from the UK Government has been approved, in a landmark moment that will transform the town over the next decade.
Projects include revitalising the disused community centre, upgrading the town’s seaside amenities and a regeneration fund.
The funding, secured through the Plan for Neighbourhoods programme, aims to deliver a variety of community projects supporting the town centre, strengthening community facilities, and enhancing the area’s natural coastal assets.
Over the past year, the volunteer Town Board has worked intensively to gather input from residents of all ages, backgrounds and interests. The projects were put forward and chosen by the people of Arbroath through one of the most extensive community engagement processes ever undertaken in the town. Over 5,178 survey responses were received, representing 22% of the local population, and 2,593 residents cast votes to determine which projects would be prioritised for funding.
Among the highest-voted projects to receive funding are a new seapool and outdoor saunas, an upgraded community centre, enhanced harbour market facilities, investment in Keptie Pond, and a new pavilion and pump track beside the skate park. A visitor centre and restaurant at Whiting Ness cliffs, a clifftop suspension bridge, new planting and seating along the High Street, and the redevelopment of Seaton Park for football and community were also suggested.
Town Board Chair, Peter Stirling, said: "This is the moment Arbroath has been waiting for. Securing £20 million for our town is a tremendous achievement, and it belongs entirely to the people of Arbroath who gave their time, their ideas and their votes to shape this plan. Every project in this submission was put there by the community, and it is the community that will now continue to drive how regeneration in the town looks. We are determined to deliver this in a way that makes Arbroath proud."
Arbroath aims to be one of Scotland’s best seaside towns, reclaiming its previous status as a major destination for visitors and holiday makers. Enhancing the towns many existing assets and creating new activities, events and experiences will attract visitors and new businesses.
Arbroath Football Club Chairman and Our Arbroath Board member, Brian Cargill, said: "The scale of what this funding will deliver for Arbroath is genuinely exciting. From a revitalised town centre and improved facilities for young people, to ideas that will drive tourism, these are projects that will make a real difference to everyday life.
"Securing this funding is just the beginning. The real work starts now and that means continuing to listen to the people who live, work and learn in Arbroath. We need to understand what matters most to them and ensure every project is delivered in the right way, for the right reasons.
“Along the way some of the suggested projects listed may end up not being delivered due to cost, deliverability, restrictive legislation – this is a long-term plan that will evolve. That means remaining flexible, responsive and always focused on what is best for the town.
“The aim is to deliver tangible improvements in the short term while laying the foundations for longer-term transformation in Arbroath.
Funding will be drawn down annually over ten years, commencing in April 2026, with projects phased across a four year, and subsequent six year period.
A key priority is the regeneration of the town centre, with funding allocated to improve buildings, restore key streets, and enhance the overall look and feel of the High Street. This will be complemented by creative initiatives such as a town-wide mural trail, painted doors, and strategic lighting, helping to celebrate Arbroath’s heritage while making the town more attractive to residents and visitors.
Investment in community infrastructure will see significant upgrades to the community centre, transforming it into a modern, multi-use space with improved access, indoor activity facilities, and enhanced performance and event areas. The redevelopment of the Old & Abbey Church into a charity and volunteering hub will create a central space for support services, community activity, and local organisations to come together.
The programme also places a strong emphasis on wellbeing, outdoor activity and access to nature. Projects include the development of a new sea pool and saunas, improved cliff paths and viewing areas, and new facilities at West Links Beach Park, including a pump track, fitness equipment and spaces for sea-based activities. A new adventure play park and water sports hub at Victoria Park will further enhance opportunities for families and visitors to enjoy the coastline.
At the harbour, plans for market facilities will introduce new street food and retail opportunities, supporting local businesses and creating a more vibrant destination. This would be connection with wider initiatives such as the Arbroath Regeneration Fund and the consideration of a Business Improvement District, or similar scheme.
Across the town, investment in growing spaces and community gardens will support education, sustainability and wellbeing, while improvements to parks such as Seaton Park will provide better facilities for local neighbourhoods.
Peter Stirling added: “The people of Arbroath deserve this investment, and the Town Board will work tirelessly to ensure every penny delivers lasting benefit for the town."
The full 10 year vision document is available at www.ourarbroath.com.
Notes to editors
Projects from the 10 year vision submission.
These are indicative costs that were submitted and do not constitute confirmed projects.
Arbroath Harbour Pictured
