PLANS for the build of a new Aberdeenshire Council office and community facilities on the site of the former Ellon Academy have been lodged with planners.
Aberdeenshire Council said that the proposals would bring a number of public services together on one site, allowing smaller owned and leased offices to be released for other uses.
Plans show that the two-storey building would be built in a mix of grey and silver brick and timber, taking inspiration from the original Ellon Academy building and its ‘strong’ civic presence on the site.
The facility would contain the council offices, a library and a family resource centre. The ground floor would contain the public parts of the building, with the council occupying the upper floor. 163 staff in total would be accommodated for, with it being designed to allow for flexible working.
Formartine area manager, Elaine Brown, said, “This project represents the ‘civic hub’ of the Ellon masterplan and follows the council’s town centre first principles by ensuring the council retains a central presence within Ellon.
“The development would allow us to release a number of leased council buildings and free them up for other uses, such as retail. The building would also benefit from being close to other public services such as Police Scotland and Grampian Fire and Rescue Service.
“The planning process must now be followed before a final decision is made but we hope these plans give the local community a clear indication of what we’re trying to achieve.”
