The £1.26 million project by Buckie-based Braidreef Ltd will see a new leisure facility created at the town’s Station Park, a site formerly occupied by Grampian Country Foods.

Up to 40 jobs are expected to be created over the next four years, all paying at least the real living wage and many of which will appeal to young people.

Situated on the west side of Buckie, close to the coast and the Speyside Way, the site is easily accessible by public transport, car, foot or bicycle.

The new centre will include an indoor trampoline park comprising around 50 interlinked trampolines, a dodgeball court, and a mezzanine seating and café.

HIE’s investment will go towards the £725,000 building costs in the first phase of the project. This includes construction of a new building that will fill the gap between two existing buildings to create a total floor space of more than 2,600 square metres.

Keira Orme, development manager with HIE in Moray, said: “There are many social and economic benefits to this project. It will bring a disused site and buildings back into productive use while transforming the visual appearance of the place.

“It will enhance the visitor offering in Buckie and Moray generally, by creating something that encourages people to come and to stay longer, with potential spin-off benefits for other local businesses. And of course, it will create many new jobs, notably employment options for young people in the area.

“We’re very pleased we have been able to support the development and look forward to continuing to work with the team at Braidreef as they progress the plans.”

Graham Cormack, Braidreef managing director, said: “This investment from HIE is a huge boost to the project, to Buckie and to the wider Moray area. We have been working hard over the past few years to bring this exciting project to fruition and look forward to delivering this much-needed multi-activity venue to the area.

“The first phase of the project is ‘Jump Station Trampoline park’, which will provide a fun-packed destination for all age groups.”

Business minister, Ivan McKee, said: “This project, which is supported by HIE funding, will provide many benefits for the local community. Not only will it bring a disused building back into use but it will help to create multiple new jobs in the area, which will help support the community. I look forward to seeing the development of this exciting project.”