A proposed new multimillion-pound heart for Aberdeen’s city centre is feasible, according to a report.
The interim study into plans to elevate Union Terrace Gardens and cover the Denburn dual carriageway to create a central focus for the city has concluded it is technically and financially feasible.
The development was first suggested by Sir Ian Wood, north-east businessman and chairman of Aberdeen-based energy services company Wood Group, who has pledged £50million to the project. He is confident the remaining £100million can be secured from government funding and the private sector.
The report, funded by a £165,000 grant from Scottish Enterprise, has been presented to Aberdeen City and Shire Economic Future (ACSEF), the organisation leading the project.
The presentation was made by lead consultants Halliday Fraser Munro, who have been working with renowned architects Martha Schwartz.
The report offered three possible options: a full covering over the Denburn to create five acres of civic space; partial covering of the Denburn dual carriageway or improving the landscaping of the gardens. It also said the scheme could be achieved within a £150million budget – a figure Sir Ian was keen not to exceed.
ACSEF chairman Tom Smith said: “It is greatly encouraging to get positive feedback even at this early stage, and to get a thumbs-up on the technical and financial details of the plan.
“If we continue in this positive vein I am confident this will be fantastic for the north-east and Aberdeen.
“The question is, what do we want to be as a city?”
Mr Smith added that plans for the three possible developments for the site will be presented to the public for consultation in June.
All three options can incorporate a new arts centre, following concerns that a new building proposed for the site by Peacock Visual Arts would be scrapped.
A Peacock spokeswoman said: “We remain committed to delivering a world-class cultural centre for Aberdeen and the north-east. We look forward to more detail on the Union Terrace Gardens options.”