Eyesore scaffolding at the heart of the north-east’s biggest town centre has finally been taken down after six years.
The scaffolding in Peterhead’s Chapel Street was initially put up in 2010 in an effort to cover up a dilapidated three-storey tenement block amid fears the stonework was unstable.
Floor supports were also put inside the building as a precaution.
The site has since been taken on by budget hotel chain Travelodge, who are working to open a 60-bedroom hotel. When they took over the development the original supporting scaffolding was replaced with construction scaffolds used by workers.
Now, as the Travelodge nears completion, the poles and netting have finally been removed.
Independent Peterhead councillor Alan Gardiner said: “The first job I undertook when I was elected to council was to try and get the scaffolding removed.”
The independent councillor said he “took a lot of meetings” in his push to remove the eyesore and improve the image of the town centre.
“We then had to find a developer for the site and that’s when Travelodge came on board and that led to the second lot of scaffolding being erected a few weeks later – construction scaffolding rather than safety scaffolding this time.”
Mr Gardiner – who said the next step is to find brands to fill the empty shop units along the street – added: “I think it will bring a huge feel good factor to the town – just seeing the building
without the scaffolding will be a great relief to those who work and shop or own businesses in the town centre.”
There are four shop units on the east side of the street below the Travelodge development as well as access to the hotel.
The move comes as a renewed regeneration initiative in the town centre called Choose Peterhead is looks at other easy ways to improve the look and atmosphere of the area.
A public consultation was held earlier this year and independent consultants are due to report back later this year.
