A controversial project to transform a north-east council building has been nominated for a design award despite concerns from local people.
Fraserburgh’s Town House in Saltoun Square will be transformed by Aberdeenshire Council into a new “face” for the authority in the community as part of £5million effort to regenerate the town centre.
However, it has been heavily criticised by local people and councillors since designs for the listed building were first unveiled in 2016.
It ultimately proved so divisive that George Esslemont, the former secretary of the community council, even resigned from his position in protest.
The row had erupted because designers Moxom Architects’ proposal includes decking an extension to rear of the town house in rusted steel to act as a buffer to nearby homes.
At the time, Mr Esslemont said it was “taking away” from the traditional appearance of the building.
But the blueprint has proved a hit with professionals who last month included it among candidates for World Architecture’s Civic Buildings Award.
The design – one of six that was in the running for the prize – was praised as being “contextually appropriate” and “welcoming” by judges although did not scoop the award.
The scheme has now been nominated in the Future Building category of the Scottish Design Awards 2017.
Ben Addy, who established Moxon in 2004, has defended his plans.
“The extension will efficiently and sensitively link both properties to provide a welcoming and elegant public face for the council,” he said.
“The robust design is conceived as a largely permeable structure set against the massive construction typology of the existing historic buildings.”
Aberdeenshire Council has said that work to transform the building has been approved and that construction is due to begin.
Councillors Ian Tait and Hamish Partridge have both called for rethinks on the project.
