An Aberdeen marketing executive stirred up strong feelings on social media after he posted his critical view on the city’s Union Terrace Gardens.
David Stokes, a marketing manager for an Aberdeen chemicals firm, has received more than 100,000 “impressions” on his post which said the development was a “waste of £28 million” and that it “looks worse than it previously did”.
Several commentators agreed with his sentiments and shared their own.
Louise Wood, managing director of recruitment firm Prodrill Energy Resource Solutions, added: “Underwhelmed is an understatement.”
Like many on the post, she also suggested that previous plans led by Sir Ian Wood would have been better.
His controversial proposals were backed with a pledge of £50 million but the plan was overturned by the Labour-led city council in 2012.
“Another massive disappointment from ACC (Aberdeen City Council),” she wrote. “Sir Ian Wood will no doubt be shaking his head at this… sorry the ACC could not see your vision.”
Katrine Dunbar, who runs Dunbar Events and Marketing, also harkened back to the previous plans adding that she had worked on the campaign at the time with a previous employer.
“£50 million from Sir Ian committed years ago for a lovely green space which the council threw out despite the public vote and this is what we end up with!” she wrote.
Money used for something else?
Subsea engineer Graham Penman added he “totally” agreed with Mr Stokes pondering other uses of the budget.
“My reaction to seeing it was of a similar take. It’ll be interesting to see how it looks in 12 months. £28m would have been far better spent on appropriate housing for those in need,” he posted.
However, not all of the 184 commentators were down on the new look UTG.
Architect boss Richard Tinto said the space would greatly improve in coming months and could kickstart the regeneration of the city centre.
“I think it will be absolutely stunning in the summer and as an accessible space for all a mark of what the gardens should be.
“It has been completed in unprecedented times and whilst there have been challenges I would like to see it used as a springboard for the regeneration of the city.”
Likewise social media manager and recent TEDxAberdeen speaker Katie Forbes hit a positive note.
WATCH: Ms Forbes’ TedX Aberdeen talk
She wrote: “Once the flowers bloom in spring, I think the gardens will look spectacular. If I was to compare this to Edinburgh’s Princes St Gardens, I would say UTG wins hands down for both design and accessibility.
“And let’s not forget, whether people are loving or hating the design, it’s attracting more people to the city centre, which can only be seen as a positive.”
Mr Stokes said: “I’m quite surprised with at the volume of responses, mostly in agreement, with many mentioning transparency as to where the money was spent.”
Conversation