Construction work set to commence at Drummers Corner in Peterhead
Aberdeenshire Council has confirmed a construction start date for the public realm project at Peterhead’s Drummers Corner.
Site set-up and groundworks are due to start on Monday, March 22 with project completion in July.
The decision to upgrade Drummers Corner was identified as a priority project as part of the Choose Peterhead initiative which more than 4,000 residents engaged with.
That process created and delivered a community vision and action plan for Peterhead town centre which seeks to re-establish the area as a destination for social and leisure activities and become the recognised hub of community activity within the town.
Choose Peterhead identified that Drummers Corner should be re-landscaped to create a bustling, exciting public space in the heart of the town centre which would serve as a gathering place to host public performances and accommodate a programme of events.
Despite the Covid-19 pandemic, Peterhead bucked the trend in 2020 with an increase in new openings and lettings with several new businesses opening and others relocating to the town centre.
The combined efforts of local people, community groups, business owners, Aberdeenshire Council, Rediscover Peterhead and the recently launched Invest in Peterhead initiative have created a buzz for the town and raised the town’s profile, enhanced its reputation and cemented its position as the vibrant economic heart of Buchan.
Chair of the Buchan Area Committee and Peterhead Development Partnership, Cllr Norman Smith, said: “The public realm project is much more than just a replacement ‘drum’. The revamped Drummers Corner will give local people and community groups a bookable performance space with a power supply and will open up Drummers Corner to a wide array of activities for all ages to enjoy.
“This will encourage more people to visit the town centre and support local shops and businesses and make the town centre a nicer place to visit.”
Vice-chair Cllr Dianne Beagrie added: “Visual artist Fergus Dunnet has created some stunning Peterhead-inspired glass artwork for the new public seating and glass panels on the new ‘Drum’. The bench panel designs use boats from different periods in our port’s rich history to explore the experience of living by the sea and the incredible endeavour of the people of Peterhead.
“Together with the installation of new public seating, paving, lighting and power supplies, these improvements will make a tremendous difference to our town centre for local residents, businesses and visitors alike.”
A Drummers Corner Events Group will be set up to manage bookings for the performance space.
If you are interested in becoming involved in looking after the space or indeed booking the space for an event, initial enquiries are being invited via peterheadtownteam@aberdeenshire.gov.uk
Background information
The contract was awarded to KW Contractors, Bridge of Don, Aberdeen in Feb 2020
The Public Realm enhancement project aims to install a replacement performance drum on a new raised podium with disability access and incorporating a sustainable drainage system; plus 7 new stone seats; 5 new tree guards; 3 new standard lamps; 20 new aesthetic low-energy lights; 5 renewed electrical points and1 new pop-electrical unit for public use; 8 new glazed artworks and a CCTV camera pole (for extending the CCTV initiative into the area). Existing trees will be safeguarded and salvageable materials, such as granite, will be reused, where possible. The artwork, which will be etched into the Drum and seats’ glazing, is based upon past community consultation on images that promote Peterhead’s maritime associations.
The old ‘Drum’ will be salvaged and potential options to reuse it elsewhere in the town are currently being considered.
Communication Contact
Ken Duncan
Aberdeenshire Council
Tel/Skype: 01467 535531
Email: ken.duncan@aberdeenshire.gov.uk
General media enquiries: 01467 538222