The Former Macfish Factory Premises on Denmark Street has now been demolished and new housing will be built on the site in the very near future. The council is also trying to purchase the many fish houses along the braes. Update - All of the Former Fish Houses has now been demolished. The only building left standing is Sam's Vehicle Dismantlers, although he has previously stated he is not Moving unless Aberdeenshire Council comes up with a better offer for his yard. Sam's Vehicle Dismantlers has now been demolished, therefore he must have received a better offer for his property.
Houses are now being built on the Former Macfish Factory site, I will try and upload a photo soon.

Marconi Road - 95 excellent houses will be demolished to make way for 58 new homes to replace them on the same site, The houses are in excellent condition because they were fully upgraded approx 10 years ago. In fact millions of pounds were spent on them and even though there are a shortage of council houses in the town they are now lying empty and waiting for the demolishing team to move in. Update - Most of the houses on Marconi have now been demolished and it is anticipated that work will begin very soon to build the 58 New Houses at the Site. UPDATE  Work at the site has been ongoing now for a good few months, although all the houses has not been completed, we understand that several residents has already moved into the finished houses. One councillor commented that they looked more like Beach Huts than houses, the reason was the houses are all different colours, I will upload a photo very soon.

Alexandra Hotel on High Street is now being demolished, it is anticipated the site will be used for Retail Development. The Hotel went on fire several years ago and has been derelict ever since. Update Although the site was going to be used for Retail the site is still awaiting a Buyer.

 

The swimming pool has been hit by fresh problems. The Aberdeenshire Council-run pool at Fraserburgh has been closed indefinitely after one of its circulation pumps broke down.
Specialist engineers hope to have the problem fixed and the pool reopened as soon as possible, but the local authority said it was unable to say when that would happen. The dilapidated Pool at Alexandra Terrace have been given a life expectancy of less than a decade. Last year, it emerged the pool and community centre complex needed repairs of £3.2million.
Locals are now campaigning for a new six-lane pool and other leisure facilities and have urged council officials to step up the search for a suitable site.
It emerged earlier this year that about a dozen council-owned pools, which were all built around the 1970s, were in desperate need of repairs costing more than £8million. Leisure bosses have admitted they don't have the funds to rescue them from falling into disrepair.
The Broch's pool pump stopped working a week ago.
A council spokesman said: "There are two circulation pumps at the facility - one has developed a fault and the other is currently undergoing refurbishment.
We had no choice but to close the pool while engineers try to sort it out, we hope to have it back up and running as soon as possible, but at this stage, we cannot say when that will be. Some groups have been redirected to Peterhead while the work is continuing.
The pool was closed last year in the middle of August to allow a wide-ranging inspection to take place,
inspectors said that, to give the complex another 20 years of life, more than £2million would have to be spent on the Complex. Another £925,000 would have to be spent on the adjoining Fraserburgh Community Education Centre. Work required at the squash courts, sauna and gym at the rear of the complex would add another £233,000. Update - There is going to be a New Swimming Pool built in Fraserburgh in the not to distant Future,  there is plans to build the Swimming Pool on part of James Ramsay Park on the Strichen Road side, but many residents living in the area are not happy with the proposals and requesting the council look at other sites within Fraserburgh, I would have liked to see the new pool built on the old site at Alexandra Terrace but there would be no facilities until the new pool was finished, of course the Council could always transport the people to Peterhead for Free until the new Pool was Completed.

 

Fraserburgh Retail Park
Plans to create a £7million retail park on a factory site on the outskirts of a north-east town are hanging in the balance.
Councillors will be urged to block proposals to transform the Power Jacks complex in Fraserburgh when they meet in Banff next week 31 Oct 06, and if they take the advice of local authority officials, the firm's own plans to move to a new HQ are likely to be shelved.
The company is understood to have struck a deal with Aberdeen-based Esson Properties to sell its premises for over £1million, the cash would fund the construction of a new production plant and clear the way for Power Jacks' base to be redeveloped as a shopping centre with four new stores.
The scheme, which could create up to 100 new jobs, was unveiled in August 2005.
Esson has lodged proposals with Aberdeenshire Council to bulldoze offices and workshops to make way for a 25,000sq ft DIY store, a 10,000sq ft garden centre and two 5,000sq ft "bulky goods" units, its plans include a 160-space car park.
Members of the council's Banff and Buchan area committee will discuss the proposals on Tuesday 31 October 2006 at Banff, but planning officers say the development would result in the loss of industrial land, and that it would have an adverse impact on the Broch's already fragile town centre economy.
The site Esson has targeted is sandwiched between Fraserburgh's South Harbour and Maconochie roads, and is just a short distance from a £5million shopping park which opened in November 2004 and is home to the local branches of Argos, Lidl and Acorn Pets. It is also close to the Tesco supermarket.
Esson is already involved in negotiations with retailers - but the whole project hinges on the local authority granting planning permission.
Power Jacks was formed in 1987 after a management buyout of the old Consolidated Pneumatic Toolworks business, which had been a part of the Broch's economy since 1903. The firm employs more than 80 people. It wants to build a new factory of between 50,000-100,000sq ft in the Fraserburgh area, but the location will depend on the availability of sites and grants Update  At the recent area Committee Meeting held in Banff on Tuesday 31 October 2006 Councillors have decided to take a closer look at the controversial plans for the major retail development at Fraserburgh. Banff and Buchan members decided yesterday to visit the site at Maconochie Road where a DIY store, garden centre and a "bulky goods" unit is planned. The decision was taken on the casting vote of area Committee Chairman, Councillor Sydney Mair.
Some Councillors had been urging immediate approval for the scheme, despite a recommendation from planning officials that it should be turned down.     The proposed development at the site occupied by engineering firm, Power Jacks, is for Aberdeen based developer, Esson Investments.
Under the deal between Power Jacks and Esson, the existing workshops would be bulldozed and replaced with a £7million retail complex. Power Jacks has hinted that, unless the scheme gets the go-ahead, a proposed relocation in the Fraserburgh area could be in jeopardy. Planning officials have expressed concern over the loss of industrial land and a possible impact on businesses in Fraserburgh town centre.

Further Update -  Members of the Banff and Buchan Area committee went against planners' recommendations yesterday and granted outline planning consent to Esson Investments for a multimillion pound retail park at Fraserburgh South Harbour Road. Power Jacks struck a £1million + deal to sell its ageing plant to Aberdeen based developer, Esson Investments, but this had been dependant on councillors approving Esson's plans for a new 25,000sqft DIY store, a 10,000sqft garden centre and two 5,000sqft bulky goods units on the site.
Power Jacks intend to use the funds from the sale of their land to build a new modern workshop elsewhere in the town, suitable for their requirement.
Planning chiefs argued that alternative sites within the town had not been fully investigated, but councillors ruled it was too good an opportunity to pass up. The application had been deferred from a previous meeting until yesterday to give committee members the chance to visit the plant, which is situated between Maconochie and South Harbour Roads and close to other retail developments.
Fraserburgh North councillor Andrew Ritchie said the application was a chance to invest "real money" into the town.
Councillor Ian Tait also backed the application, but called for an agreement to be struck with Power Jacks to ensure that the firm stays in the town. "I would not support this application if Power Jacks were to move out of the Broch," he said. "I would not want all these jobs to be lost." Fellow Broch councillor Brian Topping also supported the scheme. "This is a golden opportunity to tidy up the area and create employment." but Independent councillor Helen Fowler who represents Fraserburgh South, called for the plan to be rejected. Her bid to have the application rejected was beaten in an 8-2 vote.
Power jacks Planning New HQ
A North-east engineering firm has revealed plans to build a new factory in Fraserburgh.
The move by Power Jacks will help safeguard nearly 100 jobs.
The company, which exports specialist lifting, positioning and power transmission equipment to 40 countries, has identified a site in the port's Fairney Business Park as part of its multimillion-pound relocation plan.
The company are in talks with the council about setting up a new HQ at the West Shore site.
Power Jacks is keen to move out of its ageing HQ at South Harbour Road to make way for a new £10 million retail park.
Proposals to transform its existing factory into a series of new shops were lodged by developers Esson Investments in January. Update - Power Jacks has been granted full planning permission to build its new factory at the West Shore Site, I expect building work to commence as soon as possible. Power Jacks decided not to build its new engineering workshop at the West Shore after considering all their options and they are now moving to Ellon, Aberdeenshire very soon.
Power Jacks Has decided to leave Fraserburgh and move everything to a new Work Base in Ellon, Aberdeenshire. Power Jacks did have plans to build a new base at the West Shore area of the town but they decided it would be better for all concerned if they moved to Ellon. I would expect them to move in the very near future. Power Jacks staff we understand will travel to work in Ellon
 A Retail Development on the Site of Power Jacks on South Harbour Road, had been Proposed in the past but as yet nothing concrete has been decided.

 
Plans Submitted for 2 New Hotel. Local taxi operator Kenneth Noble has tabled plans for a Hotel at Fraserburgh's Kinnaird Head. He wants outline permission for a small hotel with eight to 10 bedrooms, a restaurant and a bar. It is understood he envisages a  family orientated premises, near to Scotland's lighthouse museum and the Broch's heritage centre. The ground earmarked is also close to the former Macfish factory which has been cleared to make way for affordable housing.  Esk Properties are behind a multimillion pound plan to build a new hotel and shopping complex on the edge of Fraserburgh and could bring 100 new jobs to the town. Edinburgh based Esk Properties confirmed it was in talks with a big name hotel operator which is keen to move into the Broch. The firm has lodged outline plans for a hotel, restaurant, garden centre and shop at a five-acre Greenfield site in South Harbour Road. Esk was one of four companies that bid for the land, opposite the Broch's Kirkton Cemetery, after it was put on the market by Aberdeenshire Council earlier this year. (2006) We are not only talking about a 60-bedroom hotel, but also a separate family restaurant which will be available to non residents and will be a welcome boost to the lunchtime and evening dining facilities available in Fraserburgh. A detailed planning application will be submitted when and if the outline plans are successful.  UPDATE  Nothing has been heard of the Hotel Plans since the Plans were first Submitted to Aberdeenshire Council. Although we do need New Hotels in the Town, the Saltoun Hotel has been on the market for some time, with a price tag of Approx £300.000, although the Hotel needs some major work inside. Plans were submitted to the Council for change of use by the current owner to convert the building into bedsits, despite many objections from locals and former owner of the Saltoun Arms Hotel. The current owner plans to transform the building into a house of multiple occupation (HMO) with 14 flats and would also see the revival of the hotel’s two-storey bar and nightclub.  Local Planners did  recommended that councillors support the scheme but unfortunately the plans were blocked by Councillors when it was discussed at the meeting of the Banff and Buchan area committee. Aberdeenshire Council confirmed they had received 21 letters objecting to the scheme.
Opponents say there are already too many HMOs in Fraserburgh and converting the Saltoun Arms, a B-listed building, would discourage visitors from coming into the centre.
There were also concerns that the move could lead to a rise in antisocial behaviour and vandalism, as well as creating parking problems.
As well as the new flats, there would have been 2 rooms for laundry and cooking.
The Saltoun Arms Hotel will go under the hammer again at an Auction after it failed to reach the £300.000 Reserve Price.
The Station Hotel on Seaforth Street has also closed their doors for use as a Hotel and have transformed the Station Hotel into a house of Multiple Occupation (HMO) No Planning Application was Submitted to the Council for change of use, we understand that 20 rooms are in use at the Station Hotel,  the Residents who are living in the Station are being sent there from Aberdeenshire Council's Housing Department in Mid Street who we understand are paying per person to stay there as they have no council houses to offer them.

Former Toy Shop. High Street.  Councillors also rejected plans to open a lifeline service for alcoholics and drug addicts at Fraserburgh. Aberdeenshire Council was planning to take over a toy shop in the High Street and convert it into offices for two teams of social workers.  One group would deal with people with mental health issues, while the other would handle substance misuse cases.
The plans were backed by council planners who said the development would not have a negative impact on the vitality and viability of the town centre.
At the Banff and Buchan area committee meeting Councillor Michael Watt said if the plans went ahead it would be one of the final nails in Fraserburgh’s coffin. He said there was no way it could be justified and put forward a motion for refusal, which was seconded by Councillor Brian Topping who said he was shocked when he saw the report.
This is the last thing we need in Fraserburgh, he said.  We are trying to improve the town centre. I am all for the people who will be using this facility to get all the help and support that they need. We already have a place not far up the road from it. I think it will have a negative impact on the town, it will do nothing to improve it.  The Plans to convert the offices were submitted by owner James Donn, of Cairnhill Drive, Fraserburgh.


Day of Drama for Trawler as Rough seas batter hole in hull
THE crew of a north-east fishing boat which began taking on water was back on dry land last night after a day of drama in the North Sea.
The Peterhead-registered Lapwing limped back to the Buchan port at 8pm after rough seas battered a hole in her hull.
The 35-year-old vessel had been pair trawling with the Budding Rose 60 miles north-west of Fraserburgh before getting into difficulty at about 11.30am yesterday.
Skipper Brian Buchan called the coastguard after water started flooding the vessel.
The Rescue 102 helicopter from Sumburgh was launched, carrying a powerful water pump, along with the Fraserburgh lifeboat.
Once the pump was on board, the crew was able to get the flooding under control.
Last night Mr Buchan said his crew would have been “in a lot of trouble” if the coastguard helicopter had not flown out with specialist equipment.
He said: “It was rough out there and years of water and steel don’t mix I guess. When she came down with a thump, a hole appeared in the hull at the fish room. If that helicopter hadn’t come out then we could have been in trouble, and I’m not joking. Thank God for helicopters – they save a lot of lives.
Once we got that pump on board we were able to control the water and get back.
The 70ft Lapwing fishes for cod, haddock, whiting, saithe and monkfish alongside the Budding Rose, another Peterhead-registered boat.
Budding Rose skipper Peter Bruce helped escort the Lapwing back to port last night.
The vessels use the pair-seine fishing method.

Aberdeenshire Council comes under fire over disabled man’s front door.
A Fraserburgh resident was told his door keeps breaking because he is using it too much. A disabled Fraserburgh man has criticised Aberdeenshire Council after he was told his electronic front door kept breaking because he was using it too much. The multiple sclerosis sufferer who uses a wheelchair, said the automatic door of his sheltered housing home jams about twice every day, trapping him inside and keeps visitors out.
A warden with a key has to come and help open the door nearly every time it sticks.
Last night the resident said he had contacted the local authority about the problem several months ago but so far nothing had been done.
The resident said a council worker came to try to fix the mechanism some time ago.
He said he was told then the door was broken because he was using it far too often and it was suggested he use it less.
I can’t believe they think I’ve been using my front door too much, he said. I go in and out a lot, but I didn't realise I wasn't meant to.
He said: “This has been going on since I moved in in March. It must have broken down more than 100 times.
A spokesman for Aberdeenshire Council said last night: We are aware of the issues the resident has had with the automatic door opening system.
The private contractor who installed the system has reported that it is working normally, but problems can occur when visitors do not wait for it to activate and open the door themselves.

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