Haddo Regeneration Project

In 2005 the Haddo Country Park Consultative Forum was set up. The aim of the Forum was to transform Haddo Country Park, restoring its position as a premier visitor destination in Aberdeenshire and to engage the community to develop ideas for the future of the park.

The Forum includes stakeholder representation from Aberdeenshire Council, Haddo Estate, The National Trust for Scotland and the local community.

Local communities and user groups have been important to the success of Haddo and have proved essential to the Heritage Lottery Application. Some of these groups have been consolidated into a ‘Friends of Haddo’ organisation.

Following the succesful bid for a project planning grant from Heritage Lottery Funding "Parks for People" a number of documents were developed as part of the Stage 1 submission, these included a Conservation Management Plan, Maintenance & Management Plan and an Audience Plan. In January 2010 the Forum was successful in securing a Stage 1 pass.

The Stage 2 Development proposal now requires to be developed with a final submission deadline of August 2011. In order to deliver this work, a Lead Consultant is required to project manage a design team to define the proposals set out and approved at the planning stage. It is planned to have a consultant appointed in December 2010 following which consultations with local residents, community groups and the Forum will start in early 2011.

The Forum are presently seeking to recruit a Visitor Service Officer (VSO) with advertisements currently in local papers. The successful candidate will co-ordinate elements of this project to improve the visitor experience and contribute to the long-term sustainability of the park. The VSO will be a link between the partners and park users and ensure that funding applications reflect the aspirations of users as well as maximising educational and recreational opportunities.

If you would like to express any hopes, views or ideas for the regeneration of Haddo Country Park you can register to become a Friend of Haddo at the Estate Shop or by visiting the Friends of Haddo website or by emailing - LSPolicy@aberdeenshire.gov.uk