News

Arbroath sits on the brink of a new era.

The UK Government’s green light for Our Arbroath town board’s future vision has unlocked £20 million over 10 years.

It will be used to transform the lives of people living there and hopefully restore the seaside town’s status as one of Scotland’s best.

The Plan for Neighbourhood’s cash will start flowing within weeks.

Our Arbroath’s plans are ambitious and long-term.

Excitement around their approval was tempered by a note of caution that even with the funding they will take consultation, planning and hard work to deliver.

“We are determined to deliver this in a way that makes Arbroath proud,” vowed town board chairman Peter Stirling.

“Every project in this submission was put there by the community, and it is the community that will now continue to drive how regeneration works.”

We have taken a dive into 15 of the most popular, and innovative, ideas.

COMMUNITY CENTRE (£2M)

The Marketgate centre has been empty since 2023.  A new entrance and bistro would be created, as well as an indoor climbing centre, sports hall and event space for festivals and markets.

CLIFF PATH BRIDGE (£2.85M)

A bridge, spanning c.150m across a 200ft deep sea gorge, with glass bottom panels will be a thrilling experience and help make Arbroath’s cliffs an iconic attraction for visitors.

WHITING NESS VISITOR CENTRE AND RESTAURANT (£1.6M)

Located next to the cliff path at Victoria Park, the attraction would provide sea views and add to other attractions planned.

WHITING NESS PLAYPARK AND SEA ACTIVITY HIRE (£400K)

New adventure playpark at Victoria Park, next to the cliff path with outlet for sea kayak rental.

WHITING NESS CAMPERVAN AND CAMPING SITE (£375K)

Located nest to the new visitor centre and restaurant by the cliffs, this would be an attractive destination for overnight and holiday visitors.

SEA POOL AND SAUNAS (£1.1M) 

Set near the Signal Tower with rentable saunas above the beach and a safe place for cold water swimming and sports training.  Match funding is explored to provide remaining 50% of the estimated £2.3 million total cost.

KEPTIE POND (£1.5M) 

Provide new water activities for people while finding a balance for nature and the environment.  New playpark and cafe.

HIGH STREET (£1.5M)

Seating, planning and improvements to the High Street (£1m) alongside funding to develop vacant properties for community use (£500k).

TOWN MURAL TRAIL (£200K)

A series of public murals highlighting Arbroath’s culture and heritage, with additional investment of £150,000 for strategic lighting of some of the town’s assets.

OLD AND ABBEY CHURCH (£550K)

Charity and volunteering hub for town organisations to deliver a combined, sustainable service.  Could include soup kitchen, food bank and rentable local space for music and drama.

HARBOUR MARKET FACILITIES (£590K)

Cabins for street food outlets and small retailers.  Improving the offering for marina visitors and supporting harbour events.

WEST LINKS PUMP TRACK (£664K)

New pump track nest to the skatepark with outdoor fitness equipment and sea activities hire outlet.

SEAFRONT HOTEL SITE (£500K)

Funding to attract much-needed hotel operator to seafront location near the pitch and putt course.

SEATON PARK (£800K)

Funding for community and community trust to design and develop Seaton Park into a thriving asset.

REGENERATION FUND (£60K PER YEAR)

An annual cash pot to help business, community groups and local people stage events and initiatives which will help regenerate the town.

This article appeared in The Courier on 27 March 2026