A landmark building in the heart of Huntly has officially reopened its doors as a dynamic new community space, following a major redevelopment by Huntly Development Trust (HDT).
Known as Number 30, the former Cruickshanks department store, which had been vacant since 2018, has been transformed into a fully accessible, multi-purpose facility, offering a cinema, coworking spaces, retail unit, a gallery, café and function and training rooms. The project is the result of a five-year regeneration effort supported by national and local funders, with a clear focus on meeting the changing needs of the town and its people.
At the opening event today [Wednesday 16th April], local residents, councillors, funders and stakeholders gathered to mark the occasion and explore the building’s new facilities. Guests were welcomed with live music, refreshments, and a tour showcasing the wide range of activities already taking place – from early years sessions and mental wellbeing workshops to shared workspace and school art displays.
The celebration included speeches from Councillor Gillian Owen Leader of Aberdeenshire Council, HDT Trustee Rosemary Munro, and David Cowan from the Scottish Government.
Carolyn Powell, HDT Joint General Manager said: “This building has stood at the heart of Huntly for generations, and for the past few years it’s been waiting for a new purpose. The transformation into Number 30 has taken time, care and a huge amount of collaboration – but what we now have is a space that reflects the needs and ambitions of the community.
“The response so far has been incredibly positive, and it’s been encouraging to see people walk through the doors and immediately recognise how they might use the space. Number 30 is about creating opportunities, building confidence in the town centre and supporting the kind of activity that helps Huntly thrive, now and into the future.”
The building, which dates back to 1875, was originally a small shop before expanding into a thriving department store that served the region for over 140 years. HDT acquired the building in 2019 with support from the Aberdeenshire Town Centre Fund, with the aim of bringing it back into community use. Extensive planning and funding work followed, and construction began in late 2021.
The redevelopment was made possible by funding from the Scottish Government’s Regeneration Capital Grant Fund, Aberdeenshire Council’s Place Based Investment Fund, Clashindarroch Wind Farm Community Fund, Transport Scotland, The William Grant Foundation, Inspiring Scotland and HDT itself.
Designed by award winning conservation Architects, LDN, the building now meets modern accessibility and sustainability standards, with lift access to all floors, a Changing Places facility, hearing loops, high-speed broadband and an efficient air-source heating and cooling system supported by solar power.
The name Number 30 was chosen by pupils at The Gordon Schools as part of a local geography project imagining the future of Huntly’s town centre – a small detail that reflects the project’s community roots.
The opening day programme highlighted how Number 30 is already being used by local people. Activities included a school uniform exchange, children’s wellbeing sessions, a Stay & Play group, and gaming meetups, as well as music performances by local musicians and pupils. In the cinema, visitors watched archive footage of Huntly alongside a short film made by young filmmaker Ben Wilson documenting the building’s transformation and the people behind it.
Rosemary Munro, HDT Trustee said: “This building has been part of Huntly’s town centre for generations, and it’s always held a special place in the life of the town. Seeing it open its doors once again – with a new purpose and renewed energy – is a really positive moment. We’ve created something that responds to what the community needs today, with the flexibility to grow and evolve in the years ahead. It marks a fresh start, and we’re hopeful about the role it can play in supporting Huntly’s future.”
HDT believes the reopening of Number 30 will act as a catalyst for further regeneration and business development across the town. It is both community owned and operated with space available for hire and a programme of events and activities planned throughout the year.
For further information, visit www.huntlydt.org or contact number30@huntly.net.