Deadline approaches for Buckie projects

THE DEADLINE for submitting ideas for exciting projects in Buckie is drawing nearer.

Artists have until 29 March to submit their designs for a gateway feature to Buckie. So far more than two dozen artists have expressed an interest in creating the feature, which is to capture and showcase the heritage of the town, engaging and educating residents and visitors.

A full artists’ brief is available for those wishing to tender for the project, for which there’s a £23,500 budget to include all materials, planning fees and installation. This is being funded by developer obligations – money secured by Moray Council from the Tesco development in 2010.

Submissions are being accepted until 29 March, with the public display expected to run in June and July 2019. Those interested in submitting artwork and ideas should contact procurement@moray.gov.uk.

Meanwhile ideas are also being welcomed on how to spend remaining developer obligations, including citing of a community woodland. Other ideas for projects should be submitted by 29 March. These could include events that inspire people to visit Buckie, unique activities to showcase local heritage or the purchase of goods to run classes or workshops.

Moray Council’s Chair of Planning & Regulatory Services Committee, Cllr David Bremner, said it is vital the money available is spent to benefit the town.

“Developer obligations secure improvements at no cost to the council. Here we have a significant opportunity for investment in Buckie and I hope the community take this chance to have their say on how this money is spent.

“There is however a time limit on the use of these monies and anything remaining unspent will have to be returned to the developer next summer. I’m sure we’d all rather see them benefitting the Buckie community.”

Find out more at www.moray.gov.uk/buckiedeveloperobligations.