INITIAL designs have been unveiled for the proposed £20 million creation of an Aberdeenshire regional museum and new Peterhead library.
The Peterhead cultural project is being supported by the UK Government’s levelling up fund and will see the listed Arbuthnot House sensitively restored and extended to house both Peterhead’s library and new regional museum.
Collective Architecture Limited is behind the design, with Hub North Scotland appointed to deliver the project. The library be situated on the ground floor of the new extension with access to a sunken seating area in the garden for readings and event, as well as a small retail area.
Also on the ground floor will be a café with seating spilling out onto a garden terrace. In contrast, the top floor restaurant will be more of a ‘destination’, with the council explaining that it will be a place to dine on the best regional produce whilst taking in views towards the harbour.
The museum galleries will start on the ground floor of the refurbished Arbuthnot House, moving into the upper floors of the new extension. Aberdeenshire Council said this will allow ‘significantly’ more material from collections to be put on display.
Purpose-built galleries with ‘carefully controlled’ light levels and security will feature and be supported by creative interpretation including music, Doric, and film. The council’s museums team will be able to change the displays on a regular basis and will work with community groups to co-curate displays and exhibitions.
Ewen Fowlie, operations director at Hub North Scotland, said, “We are delighted to be working again with Aberdeenshire Council on a project which will transform and revitalise key landmarks in Peterhead thanks to the crucial support of the UK Government’s levelling up fund.”
Depute leader of Aberdeenshire Council, councillor Anne Stirling, added, “This innovative and very ambitious project in the very heart of Peterhead town centre will support the north-east economy through the enhancement of the tourism offering across Aberdeenshire and provide opportunities for businesses which are to be greatly welcomed. I would encourage communities across Aberdeenshire to get involved in our engagement programme and let us know what’s important for you in terms of our rich cultural and heritage so we can make this new regional museum a real jewel in the north east crown.”
