Plans to build an £8million sports centre in Deeside backed by the local community have been taken a step forward.
Banchory Sports Village will feature a six-lane, 25-metre swimming pool and separate learner’s pool, a four-court sports hall, two squash courts and a fitness suite.
Aberdeenshire Council will pay £7.8million to build the centre but the local community is aiming to raise £700,000 so they
can enjoy “extras” – such as an additional lane in the pool and another squash and sports court. So far, they have raised £544,000.
The finished centre will feature a six-lane, 25-metre swimming pool and separate learners’ pool, a four-court sports hall, two squash courts and a fitness suite.
Now Bancon Homes has lodged a proposal of application notice for the centre, along with 90 homes, a number of shops and care home.
The chosen location for the development is the land between Hill of Banchory Primary School and Hill of Banchory West Road.
Around 25% of the proposed homes could be affordable if the plans are given the go-ahead by councillors, whilst a small-scale supermarket or cafe could also be established at the site.
Director of planning at Bancon Developments, Harry McNab, said: “This is the first step in developing the detailed plans for this area, which has been lying unused for some time.
“The emergence of the plans for the Banchory Sports Village and the firm commitment of Aberdeenshire Council to commence its development next year has enabled us to bring these outline plans forward.
“The proposals are in outline at this stage, and very much a draft for discussion with the community and other stakeholders.
“Our initial plans are to supplement the sports village with a range of small shop units for local services such as a small supermarket, or cafe for example, which the area currently lacks.
“There is also potential to introduce a care home or similar facility, along with some new homes.”
Over the next three months, a series of public consultations will take place on the proposed developments.
There will also be a public exhibition at the Banchory Business Centre in September.