Offers will be sought for the site of the former Gordon House offices and for another plot of vacant land on Harlaw Road, which has become surplus to requirements.

The substantial Gordon House site on Blackhall Road has now been cleared and presents a redevelopment opportunity to integrate into the existing surrounding area. 

Covering 1.6 hectares, the site has the potential for residential, offices/mixed-use, community uses and tourist accommodation.

The former Harlaw Day Centre was demolished in 2018, and the 1.2-hectare site is currently zoned for business use only within the current Local Development Plan. Alternative uses could be considered, but would require appropriate planning consent.

Aberdeenshire Council co-leader and chair of its Business Services Committee, Cllr Stewart Adams, said: “Securing best value is absolutely critical for the council and we need to make informed, strategic decisions which balance financial return with long-term social and economic outcomes.

“We hope to encourage competitive interest through our marketing of the two sites with the aim of helping to identify development proposals which are viable, sustainable and aligned with the local priorities identified through the collaborative place planning approach in Inverurie.

“Equally important is ensuring that each site is brought forward for the right purpose – whether that be residential, business or retail – so that any future development meets genuine local needs. I very much hope that the redevelopment of our vacant sites in Inverurie will act as a catalyst for regeneration, increasing footfall, supporting local businesses, creating new homes and jobs and enhancing the overall vitality of the town.”

More than £2.5m generated

The proposed sales come as Aberdeenshire Council revealed it has generated more than £2.5 million through the sale of vacant properties and land this year.

Against a backdrop of stretched public sector finances, there has been a real push in recent years to reduce the number of buildings the council runs and maintains, with more to come onto the market in 2026. 

2025 was a strong year for sales – including the former Portsoy and Ellon libraries, Cairnbanno and Blackhills community centres and Macduff Town Hall, together with various depot, workshop and commercial units.

Properties sold this year:

• Marr Depot, Castleton Place, Braemar
• Longhaven School
• 7 (Office) & 7a (Flat) Castle Street, Huntly
• Cairnbanno Community Centre, New Deer
• Site 3, Laurencekirk Business Park, Aberdeen Road, Laurencekirk 
• Portsoy Library 
• Macduff Town Hall
• Ellon Library 
• Blackhills Community Centre, Peterhead
• Repair Workshop, 7 Albert Street, Fraserburgh 
• 33/35 Duncan Crescent, Peterhead 
• Alford Academy School Site 
• 22 Kirkburn, Inverbervie
• 22a (formerly 20) Kirkburn, Inverbervie
• Riverdale, Montgarrie, Alford
• Shop, 1A (previously 1&1A) Raemoir Road, Banchory
• Lynair, Port Road, Inverurie
• Former Ellon Area Office on Schoolhill Road

In addition, several properties are currently under offer, while a number of surplus assets have also been transferred to community bodies via the asset transfer process, including garages on Murray Terrace in Alford and the former Auchenblae public toilets.

The council’s Estates Team continues to market a range of properties with conversion and development potential:

• Office, 25-27 Station Road, Ellon, AB41 9AE
• Aberchirder Library, 111 Main Street, Aberchirder, Huntly, AB54 7TB
• 45 Brickfield Road, Stonehaven, AB39 2NB
• Office, 59 Station Road, Ellon, AB41 9AR
• Cemetery Lodge, Constitution Street, Peterhead, AB42 1SD
• Development Land, Fairney Business Park, Fraserburgh (1.18 ha)
• Development Land, Fairney Business Park, Fraserburgh (3.08 ha)
• Development Land, Tarlair, Macduff
• Plot 2, Dales Industrial Estate, Peterhead
• Plot 3, Dales Industrial Estate, Peterhead
• Development Land, Linton Business Park, Gourdon (0.20 to 0.50 acres)
• Development Land, Linton Business Park, Gourdon (0.50 acres)
• Site of former Drumoak School, Drumoak, Banchory, AB31 5EE

Cllr Stewart Adams added: “We are experiencing a particularly buoyant spell for property sales and other asset disposals across the region which is helping to bring a wide range of vacant premises back into use for a number of purposes, be that residential, commercial or leisure. Through these sales, not only are we generating much-needed capital for the council, we’re also reducing our own maintenance and holding costs, while stimulating local economic growth.

“This approach not only provides a direct boost to our budget, but also supports wider community objectives by enabling new housing, creating employment opportunities and encouraging private investment. In doing so, we are ensuring the council continues to deliver high-quality services while maximising the value of the public estate for the benefit of current and future residents.”

Allan Whyte, head of property and facilities management at Aberdeenshire Council, said: “As the largest single provider of business land and premises in Aberdeenshire, we can offer a range of premises to accommodate a number of commercial operations. Whether a business wants to lease an office with access to meeting rooms in one of our business centres, or an industrial unit with a secure yard, our properties are presented in good condition and come with favourable rent packages.

“There is a strong desire among purchasers to convert former operational properties such as schools and community centres into private housing which will ensure these traditional granite buildings enjoy a new lease of life for many years to come. We also have a number of premises which present a wide range of both commercial and community-led opportunities. I would invite interested parties to make contact with us as early as possible to discuss any potential developments in more detail.”