Sir Ian Wood has hit back at claims that people are being bullied into supporting his plans for a £140million civic square in Aberdeen, and again warned he could walk away unless the scheme wins public backing.
Earlier this week, fellow oil boss Jim Milne said many felt “pressurised” and “intimidated” into supporting the businessman’s vision for Union Terrace Gardens because of his status.
Sir Ian has offered to give £50million to the Aberdeen City and Shire Economic Future (Acsef) project to raise the Victorian park to street level – covering the gardens, a nearby railway line and the Denburn dual-carriageway.
But Peacock Visual Arts had been granted full planning permission for a £13million contemporary arts centre built into the slope of the gardens when the Wood Group chairman announced his plans.
As a result, an increasingly bitter row has broken out over the future of the site.
Last night Sir Ian told the Press and Journal that he still intends to withdraw his financial backing if the majority don’t want the square.
He said: “I remain totally committed to this project as I firmly believe our city centre must be transformed to secure our long-term economic future. However, I have always said that if the public does not support this vision then my offer of funding will be withdrawn.
“Everyone involved in the project takes great exception to any insinuation about people being pressurised to support the City Square.”
He added: “With regards to Mr Milne’s comments earlier this week, I totally respect everyone’s right to express their view and he has expressed his.
“There is however always a danger when one individual claims to speak for others. The consistently positive feedback we have been receiving from the business community is at odds with his statement. Our primary focus since launching the public consultation has been to ensure that as many people as possible participate. This is a singularly unique consultation exercise that allows everyone to shape the future of this city. My plea is that everyone gives their opinion – for or against – after studying the facts.
“If they support it then the consultation allows them to shape the project. This is a region of 450,000 people and only about 1% have participated to date.
“If people are supportive, then the consultation allows them to shape the next stage. At this stage, it is wide open as to how the new space could look and feel.”
Pop star Annie Lennox, who grew up in Aberdeen, joined the debate this week, saying the people of the city should stop historic green space being “ripped out and concreted over”.
Sir Ian rejected those concerns, however. “My real disappointment is over the confusion and misinformation in the public domain,” he said.
“Acsef and I have repeatedly stated that this will not be a flat, concrete square with shops and a car park. This is a new civic space and gardens with a contemporary arts centre at its heart that will make the city greener, more attractive, safer and better connected. My other concern is the perception that it will never happen through lack of funding or that the money required will impact on vital local services.
“Again this is simply not the case. The city council will not be funding this project. The private-sector money leveraged on the back of my personal pledge will unlock the key to public funds only available for major infrastructure projects. If we don’t apply for these funds, other cities will.
“Over the years there have been several schemes to redevelop this strategic, central location. All have failed due to lack of ambition and lack of money. This time we have the money and I would hate it to fail simply because we do not have the ambition.”
Last night Mr Milne, chairman and managing director of the Balmoral Group, said he has had people congratulating him all week for “standing up and saying what had to be said”.
He added: “I was at Subsea today (Thursday) and dozens of people came up to me and said ‘well done’. Not one person told me I was wrong.”