Plans to transform the centre of an Aberdeenshire town have been revealed.
A health centre, affordable housing, sheltered housing and council offices could be built in Ellon – with the latter potentially opening up much-called for retail space for the town.
Aberdeenshire Council unveiled the proposals yesterday, with officials taking a “needs-met” approach rather than “wish-led”.
But the ideas were broadly welcomed by residents yesterday, who have repeatedly called for the former Ellon Academy site to be turned into a bigger, much-needed health centre and more shops.
Under the plans, a modern health and social care centre would be built on the school site. It would include parking, and enough space to expand by 50% would also be left to cope with more families moving to the town.
A new central council office is also planned, which would allow the authority to dispose of the 10 units it has scattered around the town. This includes the large office at Neil Ross Square – which could be marketed as a retail unit.
More than 30 affordable homes, along with 24 one-bedroom sheltered housing flats and a family resource centre are also planned for the site.
As well as amalgamating its council offices – which would save on rent – it is proposed the Ythan Centre would also be released.
Other ideas being considered include introducing two-way traffic on Schoolhill Road and allowing parking outside the council office in the evenings and weekends.
In a report to the Formartine area committee, director of business services Ritchie Johnson said: “The outline proposals primarily relate to housing, offices, family centre, health and social care and disposal of any surplus land.
“The proposals are ‘needs-led’ rather than ‘wish-led’ in order to provide maximum benefit and retain a strong sense of realism.
“Each proposal will be subject to its own business case scrutiny, but collectively would offer wider opportunities for redevelopment in the town centre.”
One local, who did not want to be named, welcomed the proposals and said: “The health centre should be a priority – we are really in need of a bigger facility.”
The council visualises having its masterplan for the scheme complete by August, and permissions in place by next September.
It is hoped the two-year construction project would then get started in October 2019.
The project is part of the council’s proposed £40million move from Woodhill House in Aberdeen to Harlaw Park in Inverurie, on the grounds of Inverurie Loco Works FC.
The authority also plans to up its presence in Stonehaven.
Councillors will have their first chance to discuss the plans when they meet in the town’s Kirk Centre on Tuesday.