August 11 2022

Aberdeenshire Council is prioritising the expansion of Macduff Marine Aquarium and a cultural quarter in Peterhead as part of a £20m bid for Levelling Up funding from the UK government.

£5.7m is being sought to build a two-storey aquarium extension housing a cafe, education suite and community space with panoramic sea views. As part of this work the existing building would also be fully remodelled to improve the visitor experience.

A further £18m is requested to establish a cultural quarter in Peterhead, centred on the historic Arbuthnot House, which would be turned into a museum and library by way of a new build extension. Combining workshops, exhibition space and a cafe the work would free up the current museum and library at Carnegie House for conversion to a cultural venue and entertainment space.

Councillor Mark Findlater, Leader of Aberdeenshire Council, said: “The creation of a cultural quarter around the disused Arbuthnot House will ignite new energy and opportunities in Peterhead’s historic town centre. The new museum and gallery, together with a bespoke library facility and educational facilities, will instill a deeper perception of culture, heritage and sense of place within the town and the wider region.”

Design teams have yet to be appointed subject to the success of the funding bid.

1 Comment

#1 Posted by Blue Tooner on 16 Aug 2022 at 15:06 PM

Both look great regeneration projects, hope they get the funding. Aquarium project, along with Tarlair Outdoor Pool redevelopment, will put Macduff back on map for tourism in the area.

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