Proposals for new leisure and community facilities in Banff and Macduff have been unveiled to the public.

The plans were shared at a meeting yesterday (26 August).

To shape the plans and ensure that the final proposals are right for the two communities, architects have used feedback from local residents which were gathered at two public sessions in recent months.

In July, three options for each community were put before residents, before they were invited to make comments and share their preferred options. Analysis of these consultations identified a clear preference with residents for each of the communities.

The proposal, which will provide replacement facilities for the planned Canal Park development, was outlined for the first time at the public meeting on Monday.

In agreement with public opinion (68%), the council hopes to take forward plans for a £7.8m sporting complex at Banff Academy, comprising of the Deveron Centre and external facilities including all-weather running track, tennis courts and football pitch.

-- Advertisement --

For Macduff, the proposal being taken forward is the £3.5m Myrus Sports Complex which includes a three-court sports hall and a full-sized all-weather grass pitch, as well as improvements to Macduff Arts Centre. This received an 80% preference in the options exercise.

Planners have taken on board comments from residents and made alterations to the proposals to accommodate peoples views.

The changes include:

• More functional storage space (Banff Academy complex)

• Sauna and steam rooms (Banff Academy complex)

• Seating for viewing of the sports hall, squash court and fitness suite (Banff Academy complex)

• Moving the Community Room closer to the café, for easier accessibility (Banff Academy complex)

• Addition of three-court sports pavilion and community room (Myrus Complex)

• A multi-purpose community room (Myrus Complex)

• Music and recording facilities (Myrus Complex)

• Performance and theatre area (Myrus Complex).

The proposals will now be considered by Councillors next month, while a formal consultation period with the public is due to being in October.

It is hoped planning applications will be submitted in January 2014, with the view to start work on site by February 2015.

Chief Executive of Aberdeenshire Council, Colin Mackenzie, said: "This is a big step forward in the delivery of much needed leisure and community facilities for Banff and Macduff.

"The feedback from local residents has been invaluable in us to shape proposals for new facilities to suit the two communities, now and in the future."

(JP/MH)