Proposals to move Aberdeenshire Council’s HQ out of the Granite City could breathe new life into one of the north-east’s biggest towns.
Under the plans a new local authority Ellon “area office” could take shape on the site of the town’s former academy, which has now been completely demolished.
This would mean the council’s office buildings, which are currently scattered across Ellon and are “not fit for purpose”, would be left vacant – allowing for businesses to take them on.
The move would form part of the local authority’s proposed £40million transition from its Woodhill house HQ to Harlaw Park in Inverurie, the grounds of Inverurie Loco Works FC.
The proposals were discussed in January at a meeting of the council’s Business Services committee.
The plans would also involve the local authority upping its presence in Stonehaven.
Establishing the new HQ at the site of the former Ellon Academy was ruled out by councillors earlier this year.
The Ellon office could have space for as many as 150 members of staff.
And last night co-leader of the council and Ellon and District member, Richard Thomson, said a potential Ellon area office would not take up the full school site, and could sit side-by-side next to other new facilities.
Earlier this week locals had their say on the future of the former campus, with many voicing their support for an upgraded doctors surgery.
Currently the local authority is the only council base in Scotland outside its own boundaries.
SNP member Mr Thomson said moving the council offices currently scattered around the town into one would offer up an opportunity for new businesses to move into any premises the local authority vacates.
He added that the potential move to the school site could lead to a further 60 council staff being able to work in the town at any one time.
Mr Thomson said: “If plans to consolidate the council’s activities in Ellon on one site are given the go-ahead, that could free up some of the properties we currently occupy for other uses, potentially for either retail or redevelopment.
“We have to recognise that Ellon is expanding pretty quickly. Given that the academy site is fairly sizable, I think we also have to look at how else the site can be used to meet the growing needs of the town.
“Given the pressures on the existing health centre, there’s clearly a golden opportunity for expansion onto the academy site if the NHS is willing to take it.”
He added the plans would also reduce the council’s carbon footprint, reducing journey time for staff in the area who travel into the city or Inverurie for work.
Mr Thomson said: “It would give people more opportunity to work at a location closer to their home, and in the process help share some of the economic benefits of the council’s activities around Aberdeenshire.”
