Plans for revamped Pets’ Corner

31 August 2016

The popular Pets’ Corner in Hazlehead Park is to undergo a £750,000 renovation and expansion which includes a new larger area for the fish and reptiles and an education room.

The work at the council-run facility includes replacement of the roof over both parts of the buildings, internal alterations and refurbishment, the installation of new fish and reptile tanks, new external access ramp and paths, and an upgrade to the staff facilities.

The major upgrade and refurbishment, which is expected to start in the 2016/17 financial year, was hailed today as a boost for the park.

Aberdeen City Council Communities, Housing and Infrastructure vice convener Councillor Jean Morrison said: “It is great the tender has been put out for the revamp of Pets’ Corner as it will look fantastic when the building works are finished.

“The facility has been popular with families for years but the refurbishments and new additions will make it a really exciting place to go for people of all ages.”

Donald Shaw, chairman of Friends of Hazlehead Park group which works with Aberdeen City Council to improve the facilities at the park and promote its attractions, said: “One of our priorities is to improve Pets’ Corner and transform into an interpretive/educational centre for the city and shire.

“We’re delighted we've got there and we’re tremendously looking forward to the work starting – a refurbished and extended Pets’ Corner will be a boost to the park as it will give people, and particularly families, a reason to visit the area and find out for themselves all the fantastic facilities there are.”

The funding for the work was approved at last Thursday’s City Council’s Communities, Housing and Infrastructure committee. The works had been scheduled for 2015/16 but the quotes was higher than funds approved at a previous committee. A notice for the works is on Public Contracts Scotland website.

Animal attractions at Pets’ Corner include alpacas, kune kune pigs, geese, turkey, chickens, sheep, goats, Shetland pony, miniature donkeys, fish, reptiles, budgies, ducks, finches, chipmunks, guinea fowl, ferrets, rabbits, chinchilla, guinea pigs and Burmese python.

Gethin the pygmy goat was a new arrival last month (July) and has proved a popular attraction for both young and old alike.

The summer opening hours for Pets’ Corner are every day 10am to 5.30 pm.