14-16 The Square Grantown-on-Spey has been home to the Cairngorms National Park Authority (CNPA) since the organisation’s inception in 2003 and the Cairngorms Partnership before that.

This summer marks a new era for the organisation as the building it occupies undergoes a transformation with a new major extension being built, which should be completed by July 2018.

The building is owned by Reidhaven Estate and now that the necessary agreements have been signed between the property owners and the CNPA, work can get underway on the demolition of part of the rear of the building before construction starts at the end of July, carried out by local building firm AW Laing.

The cost of the extension is in the region of £1 million and is being met by Reidhaven Estate, with fit out works, furniture and equipment being paid for by the Park Authority, which is expected to cost around £200,000.

Grant Moir, the CNPA’s Chief Executive said: “We are delighted to see work starting on the extension, we are committed to having a presence in Grantown and the works will improve visitor access to the building as well as an improved working environment for staff.”

Chief Executive of Seafield and Strathspey Estates, Will Anderson commented: “The offices occupy a key site in the centre of Grantown and contribute to the vitality of the town centre. When it became apparent in 2013 that the Park Authority needed additional high quality office accommodation for its staff, we were keen to retain them as tenants and as a fixture in the centre of Grantown.”

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