Sir Ian Wood’s plans for Union Terrace Gardens in Aberdeen received a surprise boost last night after the incoming boss of Scotland’s new arts and culture body praised the project.
Councillors recently voted in favour of the businessman’s £140million vision to transform the city centre, which will involve raising the historic gardens to street level.
The proposal, being steered by Aberdeen City and Shire Economic Future (Acsef), divided city residents, and has ended plans for Peacock Visual Arts to build a £13.5million centre in the gardens.
The group has now been left fighting for survival, angering the north-east arts community.
Andrew Dixon, who will take charge of Creative Scotland when it replaces the Scottish Arts Council and Scottish Screen in July, said the Acsef project was a real opportunity for the city. He is now calling for everyone involved to take some time to “analyse what the best mix of facilities is for the next generation” to make sure there is still a cultural “heart” to the project.
He said: “A city the size of Aberdeen deserves the best possible public spaces and cultural spaces and I think everybody is striving to do things that are ambitious.
“What is important is that we build cultural facilities and organisations which are fit for the next 100 years.
“So taking a bit of time to get partnerships in place now will serve the population of Aberdeen well for the next generation.”
He added: “Clearly, City Square is a world-class site, but it has also got a railway and a road cutting the city in half. It (the city square project) is a real opportunity to do something interesting for the future of Aberdeen.
“Quality public space and cultural space is central to the character of any city. When you are taking decisions around the facilities, it is important that there is a strong artistic heart and locations which are accessible for many generations to come.”
Mr Dixon also praised Sir Ian’s promise to put forward £50million of his own money towards the project.
He said: “It seems to me that there is no lack of ambition or vision. They are all ingredients to make something special. The level of philanthropy is something that great Victorian facilities were built on and many of the cultural facilities have relied on local patronage. I think that in this day and age it is good to see people are willing to invest back in their cities.”