The north-east’s biggest town could be in line for a jobs bonanza after developers resurrected plans for a major new retail park.
The proposals for the Buchan Gateway area on the outskirts of Peterhead include a hotel, pub, shops, restaurants and a supermarket.
Hermiston Securities – which brought DIY giant B&Q to the port – previously had permission for a retail park and 45-bedroom hotel at the site, but let the planning consent expire.
Now fresh interest from big-name brands has prompted the firm to revive the scheme.
John Agnew, an agent for Hermiston Securities, said: “The economic climate is such that there is now renewed interest from potential operators and the proposed development would represent a considerable investment in Peterhead.”
Although Mr Agnew could not confirm how many jobs would be created if the plans were to reach fruition, it is believed it could be several hundred.
The original multimillion-pound projects – which were hailed as a major boost for the economy when they were unveiled in 2006 – would have provided nearly 300 new full and part-time posts.
The revised proposal is substantially larger.
A hotel, pub, two restaurants, a petrol station, a retail warehouse and a supermarket with 40,000squ ft of sales floor would be spread over more than 20 acres.
The existing McDonald’s and B&Q properties would in effect become part of the larger park.
Although the proposal is at an early stage, the potential for new jobs in the town has been welcomed.
Banff and Buchan SNP MP Eilidh Whiteford said last night: “I look forward to learning more about the proposed development and what it can bring to Peterhead in terms of jobs, amenities and business growth.”
Peterhead Community Council chairman, John Brownlee, said: “The town needs the right kind of development and progress is always welcome.
“When it comes to jobs there may be some in construction, and then when firms begin recruiting.
“If it brings trade into our town – and potentially new brands – that can only be a good thing.”
Developers will host a public consultation meeting at Burnside Business Centre, near the proposed site, on Thursday, September 4.
Mr Agnew said the firm would welcome input from local residents.
News that Hermiston Securities had been forced to abandon its original plans broke in October last year after negotiations with big-name traders and a hotel chain stalled.
The projects had been expected to tie-in with the Energetica corridor, a proposed stretch of business and housing between Peterhead and Aberdeen.
Potential access to an Energetica Business Park is marked on the new site plan.
The proposal has been resurrected amid renewed economic optimism in Peterhead.
German supermarket giant Aldi, budget hotel chain Travelodge and fast food chain KFC are all developing in the north-east port.
Earlier this week, another jobs boost was announced following a multimillion-pound deal struck by NorSea Group to take over part of the harbour redevelopment.