An extraordinary renovation of a historic chimney in Aberdeen, once owned by the world’s largest maker of paper bags, has been crowned Construction Project of the Year at this year’s Trades Awards.

The country’s largest housebuilder Barratt Homes was praised for its landmark work to restore the 40-metre red brick chimney, which was once a striking symbol of the former Davidson’s Paper Mill, at its Riverside Quarter housing development in Bucksburn.

The awards celebrate outstanding individuals and businesses from across the North of Scotland construction industry.

The chimney now takes centre stage at Riverside Square, a £650,000 public space in the development where residents and visitors can relax and enjoy views of the River Don.

Tasked with the challenging restoration project, Barratt Homes demonstrated expert craftsmanship and its ability to pay homage to the mill throughout the Riverside Quarter development with the use of red brick on apartments and townhouses to highlight the site’s heritage.

David Palmer, Managing Director at Barratt North Scotland, said: “We feel very privileged to win this award. The Davidson’s Paper Mill chimney is a recognisable landmark in Aberdeen, and we felt a huge responsibility to bring it back to life and celebrate the site’s heritage.

“Our construction, design and architecture teams worked closely together to create a public square that connects Riverside Quarter with the river while also providing a unique and striking space that retains, restores and carefully integrates the existing red brick chimney.

“The Trade Awards celebrate the pinnacle of the building industry in the north of Scotland and I’m delighted we have been able to acknowledge the outstanding craftsmanship and brilliant tradespeople that have worked so hard to bring this landmark back to its former glory.”

Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes also sponsored the Outstanding Customer Service award, won by construction firm LIBERTY. The virtual awards ceremony was held on Friday, 8 October.

Riverside Quarter is a vibrant, family-friendly community located close to riverside and woodland walks and just a 10-minute drive from Aberdeen city centre. Currently, Barratt Homes is marketing a choice of two-bedroom apartments and two, three and four-bedroom homes, with prices starting at £139,995. A £5,000 furniture pack is also available with free flooring and a choice of offers including Part Exchange, LBTT paid, key workers deposit contribution scheme or an additional five per cent towards their deposit with selected apartments and homes, helping movers to secure their dream property while reducing the cost of borrowing.

For more information visit https://www.barratthomes.co.uk/