Aberdeenshire Council has accepted a £20m grant from the UK Government’s levelling up fund.
The region’s bid, titled Cultural Tides: North Sea Connections in Aberdeenshire, focuses on the renovation and extension of an aquarium and the development of a cultural quarter.
It says projects will provide facilities for education, health and wellbeing activities through improving infrastructure and modernising the council’s estate.
Members have also approved an allocation of council match funding and welcomed development of an external funding strategy to support delivery of the projects.
The council says its plans will modernise the existing aquarium at Macduff, improve the visitor experience and include expanded exhibits and enhanced facilities.
A two-storey extension will take advantage of coastal views and include a new café-restaurant, education suite and community space.
The £5.7m project will also involve an external revamp of the building, a new children’s play area and path links along the coastline.
Council leader Mark Findlater said: ‘These innovative, ambitious projects will support the north-east economy through the enhancement of the tourism offering across Aberdeenshire and provide opportunities for businesses which are to be greatly welcomed.’
