Plans submitted for new multi-million pound Aberdeenshire museum and library

Plans have been submitted for the new multi-million-pound Museum of Aberdeenshire and library in Peterhead.

The project will see the listed Arbuthnot House at the lower end of Broad Street sensitively restored and extended to house both the town’s library and a new museum showcasing Aberdeenshire’s extensive heritage collections and artwork.

It forms part of the ambitious Cultural Tides: North Sea Connections in Aberdeenshire bid, supported by £20m from the UK Government alongside the renovation and extension of Macduff Marine Aquarium.

The new museum is being designed to accommodate permanent museum galleries as well as temporary and national touring exhibitions.

The museum will also act as a function space for individual and corporate events.

The purpose-built galleries will enable more objects to be displayed, supported by creative interpretation, including music, interactives, Doric and film.

Aberdeenshire Council’s Museums Service say they will be able to change the displays regularly and will work with community groups to co-curate displays and exhibitions.

The plans prepared by Collective Architecture show the museum galleries starting on the ground floor of the refurbished Arbuthnot House and moving into the upper floors of the new extension.

A specific gallery will also focus on the coastal town of Peterhead, with other spaces showcasing objects and materials from across Aberdeenshire.

Multi-purpose and workshop spaces will support participation and learning, while a new outdoor space will be created in the walled garden, focusing on biodiversity.

The new Peterhead Library will be situated on the ground floor of the new extension alongside Arbuthnot House. It will have access to a sunken seating area in the garden for readings and events.

As part of the cultural quarter, there will also be a new ground floor café and a top-floor restaurant.

The existing Carnegie Building, which has housed the existing Arbuthnot Museum and Library Peterhead’s St Peter Street for decades, will be restored and refurbished.

Aberdeenshire Council leader Cllr Gillian Owen said: “I am really impressed by the designs for the Museum of Aberdeenshire and the new Peterhead Library.

“This truly will be a museum for the whole region, showcasing the inspiring individuals, sensational stories and amazing artefacts that make the North East unique.”

Depute leader Cllr Anne Stirling added: “This innovative and very ambitious project in the very heart of Peterhead town centre 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.”

Ewan Imrie, director of Collective Architecture, said: “Arbuthnot House is a listed building of great historical significance to Peterhead and Aberdeenshire.

“The works will restore this fantastic building to meaningful public use, while its walled garden will be reimagined as a vital, new public space.”