Iconic Peterhead building redevelopment given the green light
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The redevelopment of a landmark building in Peterhead is to go ahead after unanimous approval by councillors.
Azeri Ecosse Ltd had applied to Aberdeenshire Council seeking planning permission to change the use of the former Peterhead North School and Glenugie Business Centre to mixed residential and business use.
The application was approved in full today by members of the Buchan Area Committee.
The site, which at one point housed the Peterhead Music & Rock School and social work offices will now be redeveloped to include office space, a restaurant, bar and function suite as well as a new five-bedroom house and day spa.
Planning documents submitted by the applicant show that the two-storey day spa will have massage rooms, a Turkish bath, sauna and steam room.
The proposal also notes that the new home on the site could be used as a short-term holiday let in the future.
A total of 28 car parking spaces will be included on the site along with a turning area and room for a loading bay.
Prior to Tuesday’s meeting the application received one objection regarding parking issues on the site and surrounding streets however council planners recommended the application be approved as the proposals would bring the “valuable” building back into use.
Planners were satisfied that no alterations had been proposed that would change the character and visual appearance of the building.
At the meeting committee chairman councillor Norman Smith said he welcomed the plan and supported its approval.
He said: “It’s really good to see an iconic building being brought back into use and being retained mostly as is.”
Councillor Stephen Calder also supported the plan: “I’m pleased to see that the building is going to be retained.
"I’m very pleased that they are keeping the integrity of the building and it’s going to be put to very good use for that area of the town.”
The local authority had considered demolition of the site last December however an offer in principle was accepted to save the historic Windmill Street and King Street properties.
The Glenugie Business Centre building and a neighbouring property on Windmill Street have lain empty since 2016 after asbestos was discovered inside and stopped potential projects from moving forward.
