Plans to convert a former north-east pub into a BrewDog bar and restaurant have been given the green light.
The Ellon-based firm submitted proposals to transform Drummers Bar in Peterhead’s Marischal Street into a pub and eatery in July.
BrewDog wants to revamp the ground floor of the building, which has been empty for five years.
The company’s founders James Watt and Martin Dickie revealed their idea for opening a branch in Buchan at their annual general meeting in April.
Now council planning officials have given the idea the go ahead.
BrewDog officially submits plans to transform Peterhead building into bar and restaurant
The current dilapidated shopfront will be completely replaced with freshly painted timber and new windows will extend from the floor to the ceiling.
BrewDog’s decision to come to Peterhead town centre has been welcomed by locals and council planning officials received no objections against it.
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Christopher Forman from Mintlaw wrote a letter supporting the new venture and said the craft brewer should be welcomed with “open arms”.
Mr Forman said: “Town centres are a key element of the economic, social and environmental fabric of towns, often at the core of community and economic life.
“A company of this kind should be welcomed with open arms to Peterhead town centre.
“This would provide a great place for people to meet, interact and even do business.
“Knowing the type of company the applicant is and having visited several of its facilities they create a great atmosphere for friends and families to enjoy time together.”
Andrew Gauld from Peterhead said it would transform a building that has been something of an “eyesore” for the town.
He said: “This site has been an eyesore for a number of years.
“In addition, anything that will bring jobs and regeneration to the centre of the town should be approved without hesitation.”
When the proposals were submitted in the summer BrewDog’s plans were given a warm welcome by Peterhead business improvement district (Bid) chairman John Pascoe.
He said it was a good sign for the town centre.
Mr Pascoe said: “What it means in practical terms is the filling of a large end recently empty business premises on one of the main streets in the town centre.
“This has been a long term goal of the local beer industry innovators and I think was primarily due to shareholder interest in a Peterhead location.”
