Plans for the extension of a well-loved community centre in Buchan haven taken a step forward.
The Mintlaw and Central Buchan Initiative building, led by a committee of local volunteers and located next to Mintlaw Academy, has become so popular that it has been stretched to its limits with new users.
The facility includes soft play and outdoor areas, a sports hall, fitness room and meeting rooms as well as a lounge and café.
Aberdeenshire Council’s Buchan Area Committee has now agreed to contribute a funding guarantee to complete the financial package for the extension works, alongside other funding streams.
The extension will enable the centre to take on and extend library facilities in the fast-growing town, and will provide additional meeting and soft play areas as well as a new early years care site.
Vice-chair of Buchan Area Committee, councillor Dianne Beagrie said: “What has been achieved since its opening is remarkable and I am sure further investment will really help to take what’s on offer to the next level.
“This commercial and self-sustaining model developed by volunteers is a real community success story.
“New users and new clubs have come forward in support of the extension and we hope that this project will continue to grow for the benefit of the Central Buchan community.”