Northburn Developments, which built Inverurie Retail Park last year, is now proposing ambitious plans to extend the retail park which they say will also deliver "the infrastructure and planting for the majority of the long awaited 140 acre public riverside park on neighbouring land."

They plan to a two-day public consultation exhibition in Inverurie that they say will allow local residents to learn more about the plans that will "facilitate the delivery of the public riverside park, create over 400 local job opportunities and bring local infrastructure upgrades including flood control works, highways improvements and improved accessibility."

Northburn say "the proposals for a supermarket at Inverurie Retail Park will meet the demand for a new food store in the town centre, and is a logical extension of the existing facilities on Oldmeldrum Road. Northburn are also proposing a hotel/restaurant which will provide further choice in the town and complete the riverside park setting.
"Northburn plans to provide access to, substantially fund and help deliver the 140 acre public riverside park – which already has planning permission but has never become a reality because of a lack of funding.

"The public riverside park will link the new housing development in the north of the town centre and will provide a multitude of community benefits including sports pitches, nature walks, an adventure playground and large areas of country park and wetlands."

Alan Mitchell, Director of Northburn Developments, commented, "This is a really exciting proposal to give Inverurie a 'Green Heart', and create a public park of regional significance. Northburn Developments has been an active investor in Inverurie for many years, and recognises that it is already one of the most successful and fastest growing towns in Scotland. The plans for the ongoing growth of the town bring with it an additional demand for supermarket shopping and further recreational and leisure facilities. We are uniquely placed to deliver both elements of our proposals – with the commercial development helping to facilitate and cross fund the riverside park.

"The retail park extension and riverside park proposals go hand-in-hand. This is a major proposal to provide the town centre with much needed green space. The site provides ample space for a balance between leisure pursuits and nature conservation."

Members of the public are invited to view Northburn Developments initial proposals at the following locations:
• The Acorn Centre, West Parish Church, West High Street, Inverurie, AB51 3SA on Friday February 19 from 12 noon to 8pm.
• The former Acorn Pets unit, Inverurie Retail Park, Oldmeldrum Road, Inverurie, AB51 0GZ on Saturday February 20 from 10am to 5pm.