Construction has begun on a £1.1million extension to a popular north-east community centre.
The Mintlaw and Central Buchan Initiative venture, better known as Macbi, is used by around 7,000 people every month.
It opened in 2014 and has been expanding ever since in the services that it offers – to the extent that it was said to be “bursting at the seams”.
As demand peaked, the library next door was also facing space issues so the two got together to create plans to double the size of the Macbi centre – adding a nursery, an indoor hall, a youth area and meeting rooms.
Funds were secured late in the summer last year and now diggers and workmen are on the site and starting construction.
Chairman of the Macbi board Norman Smith said: “The extension will consist of the new nursery Mini Macs, an indoor hall suitable for ball sports, space for the youths, four multi-purpose rooms and a seating are to look out to the all-weather astro pitch.
“This has been spoken about for two or three years, so it’s fantastic to see it starting.
“The Macbi Centre has been really successful and, hopefully, this new extension will continue that trend.
“We just have to thank everyone for being patient while part of our carpark is unavailable due to the works.”
Already located at Macbi are indoor and outdoor play areas, sports hall, children’s soft play area, fitness room, meeting rooms, lounge and a cafe.
The £1.1million was collated from various funds including the early years developments, Sport Scotland, the Robertson Trust and Garfield Weston.
Vice-chairman John Pascoe said: “Six years ago, I was sat waiting for the flooring to dry and I never imagined we would get to this stage.
“It’s all down to community demand – it’s the locals who have built this into what it is.”
In April, the centre will be six years old. The new addition is set to be complete by the end of September.
Manager Connie Strachan said: “We will get to run more programmes like youth ones which we have not offered before, so we are looking forward to that.
“We are also hoping to have more walking football and netball, so this extension will help us cater to all ages from the baby classes right up to the older generation.”
It’s thought that a handful of jobs will also be offered once the facility is ready.