Aberdeen City Councillors approve £22m Union Terrace Gardens revamp
Proposals would see new entrance buildings, a café, gallery area and events space.
Last updated 28th Mar 2018
Aberdeen City Councillors have backed the £22 million revamp of Union Terrace Gardens today, Wednesday 28th March.
The proposal for the city centre park will see new entrance buildings, a café, gallery area and events space.
A decision on the planning application was expected when the committee met last week, but some councillors asked to visit the site before taking a vote at the Town House. That’s now taken place, with a meeting at Union Terrace Gardens scheduled this morning, with a decision to approve the project taken late this morning.
Planning Development Management Committee Convener Councillor Marie Boulton said: “I’m delighted that the detailed planning application for Union Terrace Gardens has been approved and that Aberdeen City Council can focus on the final step – preparing to start work on the ground.
“The design promises to transform the gardens into a usable, inclusive and dynamic space that will serve generations to come. It was a vision shaped by the people and one which everybody could unite behind.
“We need to bring this flagship City Centre Masterplan project to fruition as quickly as possible so that residents and visitors can fully enjoy Aberdeen’s special green heart. The regeneration of Union Terrace Gardens can drive the transformation of the whole city."
The project was approved in principal last year , under the City Centre Masterplan. It also received overwhelming public support in a consultation with locals.
Developer LDA Design is in charge of delivering the change.
That’s the firm behind the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in London and Gorky Park in Moscow.
Project Director Kirstin Taylor from LDA Design said: “We are delighted that the vision to transform Union Terrace Gardens into a safe and social all-year round destination has been approved by the Council. It’s a significant moment in Aberdeen’s history.
“We’re eager to see our designs take shape over the coming months, building on the 19th century heritage and great charm and beauty of the Gardens to create a revitalised asset for the city for generations to come.”
The next step is to appoint a contractor, with work expected to start in the autumn. The target completion date is summer 2020 at the latest.
