Macduff Marine Aquarium upgrade and extension plans approved by councillors
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Council plans for an extensive renovation and extension of Macduff Marine Aquarium have been approved by councillors.
The proposal went before the Banff and Buchan area committee during its meeting on Tuesday morning.
Planners recommended that the application be granted as it complied with the relevant policies.
Councillors agreed with this assessment and the plans were approved.
The report that went before the area committee outlined the work that will be done in the project.
It said: “The proposed development has a number of elements. These are the erection of a two storey extension off the west side of the building (dimensions 31.4m long x 12.1m wide x 7.75m high) to accommodate new entrance foyer, enlarged reception and retail area, learning space, toilets, and staff accommodation at ground level, with restaurant and associated kitchen and plant room at first floor level.
“A new single storey extension (dimensions 3.5m wide x 3.6m high) off the east side of the building which follows the external building line of the existing building to provide lobster hatchery, public activity area, quarantine tanks, laboratory, workshop and storage.
“The proposed extended elements of the building comprise 698m2 of floorspace in total.
“A new external landscaped activity area to the east side of the building including areas for children’s play and picnic benches.
“Formation of pathways to connect into existing coastal path networks and to the wider town.
“A new surfaced pedestrian route along the sea wall along with new outlook point off the car park.
“Biodiversity enhancement measures to include new plantings appropriate to the setting and coastal location.
“Public realm enhancement works including new paving and surfacing within the car park and external areas, in materials that reflect the coastal location.
“New soft landscaping throughout the site and formation of mounded areas on the land to the east side of the building.
“The principal entrance to the building is to be moved southwards so that it relates better to the town and provides a more welcoming approach for visitors on foot.
“The two-storey element of the building is flat roofed and would also accommodate low level plant and PV panels on the roof.”
The report added: “In terms of the external changes, the external grassed area to the east side of the building will become useable external space with coastal-themed play area and seating.
“The levels in this area and within the landscaped areas in the car park will be enhanced with mounding and planted up in a mix of dune and marram grasses and flowering coastal species, to reflect the dunes along the coast.
“The existing art installations within the car park are to be removed, and new signage and information boards will be upgraded, and new bike racks, benches, and seating provided alongside the paths and landscaped areas.
“The car park is to be reconfigured to maximise the amount of spaces within the confines of the site (52 spaces to be provided as opposed to the existing number of 44) and the car park is also to accommodate a waste storage area in the far north-west corner, motorcycle parking, EV charging points, and new lighting columns throughout.
“The application is accompanied by a landscape scheme which details both the hard and soft landscaping within the external spaces, and a maintenance plan for these.”
The planners recommendation to the area committee was to grant the application.
The report said: “The new improved tourist attraction comprising the extension to the aquarium and redevelopment of the external areas will undoubtedly improve the facility as a visitor attraction and will increase visitor numbers which will have positive economic benefits for the town.
“Good use has been made of the restricted site availability and the design complements the existing building on site and will make the facility stand out more within the townscape.
“The proposal is considered to be appropriately sited and designed causing no negative amenity impacts.
“The development encompasses many desirable features (biodiversity and environmental enhancement, new play area, links with the wider town and better access).
“All technical matters have been addressed and their implementation can be covered by application of appropriate conditions.
“In conclusion, the proposal complies with the relevant policies contained within the Aberdeenshire Local Development Plan 2023 and the National Planning Framework 4 and as such the planning service recommend the application favourably subject to conditions.”
Troup councillor Mark Findlater motioned that the application should be approved.
He told the meeting: “I wholeheartedly support this planning application for the Macduff Marine Aquarium, which will only enhance and improve this wonderful, very successful, well loved and valued visitor attraction, educational and scientific facility.
“Increasing visitor numbers will only be a benefit to Macduff, Banff and Buchan and indeed the north-east of Scotland.
“I would go with the officers recommendations and the conditions.
“I look forward to seeing it up and going and visiting it again. It’s going to look brilliant and will be an asset for the town and for the whole area.”
He was seconded by fellow Troup councillor Richard Menard.
He said: “I am keen to see this up and running and it will be a benefit for the whole area.”
There was no amendment and the application was approved by the area committee.
The plans boast a striking design inspired by the coastal location and Macduff’s rich shipbuilding heritage.
The project has financial support from the UK Government’s Levelling Up Fund and works are expected to start on-site in the autumn.
The distinctive round aquarium building will be expanded to accommodate increased display and activity space and will feature a café-restaurant on the second floor boasting magnificent views over the Moray Firth and inside to the central kelp tank.
Internally the central tank, general layout and displays will remain, however exhibits will be upgraded and will feature improved features and interpretation to enhance the visitor experience.
Education and conservation are at the heart of the aquarium’s operations and the expansion will provide space for a lobster hatchery and a dedicated learning room to allow hands on activities and events for learners of all ages. The lobster hatchery will see lobster larvae being grown for release into the wild to boost wild populations, be a focus of interest and support the lobster fishery in years to come.
Councillors carefully considered the concerns of four objectors who raised concerns around the design of the development, conflict with existing residents’ parking, impact on amenity as a result of a playpark being established and the potential competition with local eateries through the introduction of a café.
It was considered that both the building’s design and improved on-site car-parking were appropriate, as were the mitigations being put in place around the landscaped recreational area.
While a café will be created, the volume of additional year-round visitors to the aquarium will result in far greater opportunities for other businesses to benefit in Macduff, Banff and the wider area.
The committee also heard that the Friends of Macduff Aquarium were fully in support of the development, saying it would lead to a “significant uplift” in the overall offer provided and that improved education facilities would allow for more extensive learning programmes and enhanced display, retailing and visitor services to ensure a more sustainable future for the aquarium.
Both VisitAberdeenshire and VisitScotland had indicated their support for the development of the aquarium, saying it would be a “significant new contribution to the north-east tourism offer” and would not only provide the opportunity to transform the visitor experience within the aquarium itself, but the improved landscaping and links to coastal paths would also “enhance the wider destination offering, helping to encourage extended, year-round visits and spend in Macduff and the surrounding area”.
Macduff Marine Aquarium – run by Live Life Aberdeenshire – has been operated by Aberdeenshire Council for more than 25 years. It regularly welcomes more than 50,000 visitors per year, contributing significantly to the local area’s economy and complimenting other existing tourist attractions along the popular North East 250 route.
It highlights native marine life and the central tank design and local exhibits create a one-of-a-kind experience within the UK. Building on its success with investment in the attraction has long been part of the regeneration strategy for Macduff and the Levelling Up fund has presented a unique opportunity for the aquarium, Macduff and the area.
After the meeting, Banff and Buchan area committee chairwoman councillor Doreen Mair said: “I am delighted to see the development of the Macduff Marine Aquarium progressing.
“This project blends a striking design influenced by the aquarium’s coastal setting with improved facilities and amenities for visitors.
“I particularly welcome the additional space for education which will add greatly to the experience and will help educate people about the seas around us.
“This will be a tremendous asset for Macduff and the wider area and I very much look forward to seeing works commencing later this year.”
Vice-chairman councillor Richard Menard said: “This is a hugely exciting time both for the aquarium and Macduff itself and this development with its raft of enhancements will ensure this much-loved visitor attraction will realise its full potential all year-round.
“Tourism – be it from a local, regional or international level – is vitally important for the north coast and Aberdeenshire and this project will safeguard the aquarium’s important role in the future.”
A total of 10 projects in Scotland were allocated more than £177 million from round two of the Levelling Up Fund which will enable projects to create jobs, drive economic growth, help restore people’s pride in the places where they live and spread opportunity more equally.
The Cultural Tides: North Sea Connections in Aberdeenshire project will focus on the renovation and extension of Macduff Marine Aquarium and the creation of a Museum of Aberdeenshire and new Peterhead Library centred around the vacant Arbuthnot House property.
Following a visit to the aquarium last year, Levelling Up Secretary Michael Gove said: “UK Government money for Macduff Marine Aquarium will help expand the site and allow more families and visitors to see the wonderful marine life.
“It was great to see how Levelling Up funding will help increase tourism, deliver jobs and provide better facilities for the whole community to enjoy.”
