Proposals for a multi-million pound investment in leisure facilities for Banff and Macduff are to go on public display.

The move marks the next stage of the consultation process for the project.

The event, to be held on Monday 15 July, will show residents how the plans for the leisure and community facilities have developed to include public feedback. Last month, a public meeting was held in Banff to discuss long-running plans to develop facilities in the area, in connection with the development of a new supermarket on public land.

A number of proposed designs for the project will be put on public display to look at and provide feedback, while senior council officers and architects will be on hand to talk about each of the proposals.

Aberdeenshire Council Chief Executive, Colin Mackenzie, said: "Engaging with the local communities is a key part of this project and is vital to making sure we provide the community and leisure facilities that the people of Banff and Macduff want.


"This next event is an opportunity for us to show the communities of Banff and Macduff how we have used their views and contributions to shape our plans and further develop this exciting project."

Council Leader, Councillor Jim Gifford, added: "The next consultation event will bring us yet another step closer to the provision of top-class community and leisure facilities for Banff and Macduff.

"The council remains absolutely committed to making this project a reality and we are working hard to develop proposals which are right for the local communities, now and in the future."

Aberdeenshire Council has said it is committed to delivering the best leisure and sporting facilities as possible for the local communities following more than a decade of talks between the council, Tesco and the town's Princess Royal Sports and Community Trust.

Tesco wants to build a supermarket at Canal Park, on what is Common Good Land, but as part of the deal it will have to fund replacement facilities for those lost due to the development. Plans were formed for a multi-million pound Better Life Centre at Canal Park a number of years ago, as well as new sporting facilities. Since then however, housing and other development has changed the town's demographics, but the need for replacement, state-of-the-art sporting and leisure facilities remains.

The consultation event will be held at Macduff Primary, Berrymuir Road on Monday 15 July from 12 noon to 8pm.

(JP/CD)