Aberdeenshire Council has held a consultation with resident in Peterhead regarding the future development of Catto Park.

There are potential plans to develop the park into a new sports and community hub.

PMR Leisure was commissioned by Peterhead Football Club to carry out research and then present its findings to members of the Buchan Area Committee, who supported the project.

Early reports from the community suggest there are opportunities for the site.

Local schools, sports clubs and community voluntary organisations all contributed and provided feedback and were unanimous that the town is in need of a new fit-for-purpose outdoor and indoor sports facility to cope with current – and future – demand.


In addition, the consultation also highlighted a demand for the new facility to support wider needs such as supporting young people and a central community resource.

Following a meeting last week, members of the Buchan Area Committee approved the findings and agreed to move the project to the next stage and support the recommendation that this is a joint council, Peterhead FC and community driven project.

Councillor Stuart Pratt, Chair of Buchan Area Committee, said: "Extensive consultation has taken place with residents, community and sports organisations in Peterhead to make sure that the project fits with their needs and they will be included every step of the way, I look forward to seeing this project take shape."

Chair of Aberdeenshire Council's Education, Learning and Leisure Committee Councillor Isobel Davidson added: "The provision of leisure and lifestyle facilities within our communities is a key priority and the council’s involvement in partnership with PMR and Peterhead FC shows what can be done collectively to create a vibrant community for everyone."

A working group to represent the community will now be created and work alongside the consultants to develop sketch designs and a brief for the site.

(JP/CD)