Aberdeenshire Council’s new north-east headquarters was officially opened yesterday.
The £5million Buchan House development in the heart of Peterhead brings together several local authority services under one roof.
Staff have been gradually moving into the building since May.
The former council base at Arbuthnot House has been sold to a local firm which plans to convert it into offices.
Provost Hamish Vernal, who swung open the doors of the new HQ at yesterday’s ceremony, said it was a sign of confidence in the area.
“It is important to see this building as a stepping stone in the future of Peterhead and Buchan,” he said.
“For a north-eastern coastal port town, the level of economic activity remains very high.
“This building has already seen decisions taken on a potential world-first carbon capture project which, subject to decisions later in the year, could be a truly significant contributor to an already vibrant energy industry with proven success in engineering excellence.
“It is just one example of several significant developments planned for the future and bodes well for the economic opportunities in the Buchan area.”
Chairman of the Buchan area committee, Stuart Pratt, added: “It is a building to serve not just Peterhead but all of Buchan.
“I think it exemplifies some of the best of modern design and it will be a building which will become a local landmark, used by the public for many years to come.”
A large new car park, built for employees at the St Peter Street site, will be open for public use during evenings and weekends.