An Aberdeen arts group has accused the local authority’s top officials of “completely ignoring” its position in the struggle over the future of the city centre.
Peacock Visual Arts raised concerns yesterday that a report to councillors on the proposed development of Union Terrace Gardens was “contradictory” and missing the “full facts”.
It comes after the Press and Journal revealed that council chief executive Sue Bruce and her top team had recommended approval of Sir Ian Wood’s £50million pledge towards the creation of a new civic square at the site.
The report produced by the council’s most senior officials appeared to offer a compromise proposal, with an “iconic” new Peacock centre to be included, as well as guarantees which are designed to protect the heritage and topography of the site.
But Peacock Visual Arts had previously made clear to the officials that it could not be part of the city square project.
Its members had said the decision was taken for a variety of reasons, including funding implications, its pressing need to find a new home and the results of a public consultation which showed 55% of almost 12,000 residents were against the scheme.
Director Lindsay Gordon said the group had consistently called for a compromise but that was not what was being offered by Mrs Bruce.
“It appears that all of Sir Ian's parameters for the city square remain intact and that the council is being asked to vote in favour of a concept that the people clearly rejected in the public consultation,” he said.
He added that proposed assurances that the existing shape and history of the gardens be retained seemed “contradictory” to the recommendation to approve the city square plans.
“Most worryingly, Peacock's contribution to the officers preparing the report has been completely ignored,” he said.
“The paper takes no account of Peacock's board’s position, taken after long and careful consideration, that we cannot be part of the city square project.”
“Councillors now appear to be having to make a judgment without access to full and accurate information.” Opposition Labour councillors last night called for delegations from the groups to be allowed to make presentations to the full council meeting on Wednesday, when the report will be discussed.
An Aberdeen City Council spokesman said: “The report acknowledges the clear consultation feedback that the gardens should be a focus for arts and culture.
“For that reason it recommends that the project provides at least £15million for a new centre for Peacock.
“The council believes that transforming the gardens and providing an iconic building for Peacock are not mutually exclusive and that a win/win outcome can be achieved.”
Tom Smith, chairman of Aberdeen City and Shire Economic Future (Acsef), the development body spearheading plans for the square, welcomed the report.
“Acsef welcomes the recommendation from council officials to support the vision encapsulated by the city square concept,” he said.
“The comprehensive report provides councillors with the facts they need to make a hugely important decision on the future of our city.
“It would appear that the council shares the view of Acsef and its partners that the city can have it all – an iconic arts centre, bigger and better gardens within a major civic space that will provide a focal point for the city while taking account of the existing topography and heritage of the location.”