Council face £150M RAAC rebuild challenge

Aberdeen City Council is set to embark on a significant £150 million project to demolish and rebuild over 500 homes in the Balnagask area, following the discovery of reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) in the properties.

RAAC, known for its susceptibility to structural failure, was identified earlier this year in 366 council-owned properties and 138 privately owned homes.

After considering various options, including roof repairs, council officials concluded that demolition and rebuilding is the “optimum” solution. This approach follows extensive consultations with engineers and residents. Councillors are expected to approve the £25 million demolition phase, which could take up to four years, at a meeting scheduled for 21 August 2024.

The council must negotiate the purchase of the 138 privately owned homes at market value before demolition can begin. However, this is proving to be a concern for homeowners like Amie Bruce. Speaking to local media, Bruce said she fears she may be left in a financially precarious position. “If I'm going to owe my bank £70,000, I can't even look at a future... I will be homeless, that is the end of the story,” she said.

Local politicians are also weighing in. Speaking to Aberdeen Business News, Liam Kerr, North East MSP for the Scottish Conservatives, emphasised the need for substantial financial support from the Scottish Government. He criticised the government for providing “next to no support” to affected residents, adding that “the onus is now on the council to work with the Scottish Government to ensure this process runs smoothly.”

In an interview with The Herald, Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Alex Cole-Hamilton expressed broader concerns, questioning the safety of other buildings across Scotland where RAAC has been detected. “If the risks are serious enough to merit demolition in Aberdeen, what about other areas like Dundee and Edinburgh?” he asked, calling for an urgent government fund to support local authorities.

With funding discussions between Aberdeen City Council and the Scottish Government ongoing, the council will also assess any additional funding options in the coming months. A detailed plan for the new properties is expected next year, but for now, many residents remain in limbo as they await relocation and clarity on their future homes.