Long-awaited plans to breathe new life into a north-east town centre will get off the ground next month following a four-month delay.
Aberdeenshire Council signed a contract with Bridge of Don-based KW Contractors to transform the beleaguered Drummers Corner in the heart of Peterhead in February.
The work had been pencilled in to start on April 6, however this was suspended due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
The contractor is now “anticipating” the scheme will start in August as restrictions are eased.
A replacement performance stage will be installed on a new raised podium, with disability access and a sustainable drainage system being created as part of the development.
The scheme also includes plans for seven stone seats, five tree guards, three lamps, 20 low-energy lights, five electrical points, a pop-up electrical unit, eight artworks and a CCTV camera pole to link to the town’s new system.
Though the project has been welcomed by many, some locals feel the money could have been better spent elsewhere.
Gilbert Burnett, a former business owner, said: “For long enough the council has not invested in the town and the likes of reduced business rates would be a better way of bringing firms into the centre.
“However, if it does somehow help, then I’ll hold my hands up.”
Creative director at the Modo performing arts group, Martin Danzinger, said the feature would prove its worth only if more regular use was made of it for performances.
Peterhead South and Cruden councillor, Stephen Smith, argued that there haven’t been many performances at the stage in recent times because the existing platform is “not fit for purpose”.
Mr Smith said: “There was a huge public engagement exercise getting on for four years ago now, which got several thousand responses and the clear message from that was people wanted a space which was usable for a range of events.
“These people have been let down by the lack of progress to date and it’s time that the improvements they asked for were delivered.”
An Aberdeenshire Council spokesman said: “Drummers Corner is an important part of a multi-million pound investment into Peterhead.
“It is a key project in the Peterhead Regeneration Action Plan which has the backing of local businesses, partner organisations and Rediscover Peterhead which will unlock and be an anchor for further public and private investment into the town centre.”
