The doors to Aberdeenshire Council’s new north-east headquarters were thrown open to the public for the first time yesterday.
The £5million Buchan House development in the heart of Peterhead brings together several local authority services under one roof.
Staff have moved in gradually as the building work has neared completion and are now ready to provide services to local residents.
The council – which previously occupied offices across the north-east’s largest town – is now marketing its empty properties.
Buchan area manager, Chris White, said: “The new council headquarters at Buchan House have breathed life into a previously derelict site and will help us provide better services and release buildings in the town to be used for other purposes.
“The energy-efficient building will also allow us to make thousands of pounds of annual savings which can then be put back into improving our customers’ experiences.”
Mr White added: “I hope the council’s continued demonstration of its commitment to regeneration will encourage others to support the town’s centre as well.”
The keys to the building were recently handed to the council by contractor Robertson Construction as the major spend-to-save project came to a conclusion.
Staff from the communities, education and children’s services, infrastructure and business departments will be based at Buchan House.
The public will also be able to make council payments, report faults and apply for National Entitlement Cards or Blue Badges.
Councillor Stuart Pratt, who will today chair the first committee meeting in the new chambers, said: “In a way it’s sad because it’s the end of an era – I spent 26 years working from Arbuthnot House.
“But this new building is state-of-the-art and will save council tax payers money. I’m looking forward to working there.”
A large new car park has been built for employees at the St Peter Street site and will be open for public use during evenings and weekends. The council has also provided covered bike racks.
A formal opening will take place in the summer.