THE extension of Macduff Marine Aquarium is now wind and watertight, despite weeks of harsh weather conditions in Aberdeenshire.
More than 50 tradespeople are currently working on the site, with Ogilvie Construction leading the project and KR Group handling the cladding having already erected the steelworks.
The two-storey extension, at the front of the attraction, will house its new main entrance, retail area, learning room, and upstairs café, as well as a Changing Places facility. The project is scheduled for completion in the summer.
Ogilvie Construction has seven apprentices on site, gaining experience across a range of disciplines including mechanical and engineering, joinery, and cladding.
Banff Academy pupils have also been enjoying site visits to get an insight into the various career paths offered within the construction industry, with further visits scheduled in the coming months.
Ogilvie Construction has donated a number of surplus pre-cast concrete benches to the harbour and has also been supplying the Banff and Macduff Men’s Shed with wooden pallets to help them progress with their amazing projects.
Mark Anderson, projects director at Ogilvie Construction North, said, “The team has worked hard, often in some challenging weather conditions, to reach this significant milestone. It’s a credit to everyone involved in the project that progress has remained so strong. With the cladding and landscape now taking shape, the scale of the project is becoming increasingly visible and we look forward to handing over a magnificent new community attraction this summer.”
Aberdeenshire Council co-leader and chair of the communities committee, councillor Anne Stirling, added, “Given the horrendous weather conditions, heavy snow and strong coastal gales we experienced since the start of the year, I congratulate everyone working on site for making such tremendous progress. At each step of the construction process including the recent works on the cladding and the wider landscaping there is a growing anticipation for the aquarium’s reopening.
“I also want to extend my personal thanks to all our dedicated aquarium staff for their continuing care of our sealife ‘residents’ and for their continued engagement with the public by way of fascinating pop-up events which is maintaining access to the exhibits.”
