The flagship masterpiece in Aberdeen’s street art portfolio will be demolished if plans to redevelop a disused city centre department store are approved.
Rockspring, the owner of the former BHS shop on Union Street and its adjoining indoor market, has tabled plans to revitalise the two buildings.
The London-based developer is hoping to create space for new shops on Union Street and units to house offices, cafes and restaurants on Market Street and The Green.
Calls for Nuart ‘signature piece’ to be saved in proposed Indoor Market refurbishment
In doing so, the developer says it will “greatly improve the surroundings” with a “successful piece of urban design.”
However, it has also confirmed that its ambitious vision will come at a price as the plans include an overhaul of the market external wall.
It currently features a large mural of a girl holding a lighthouse but would be replaced under the new plans.
The piece, by German duo Herakut, was painted for the 2017 Nuart festival and is widely regarded as one of the most popular pieces in the series.
Shaun Hose, director of Rockspring, said: “In the past two years, the market building and the surrounding area has enjoyed a vibrant uplift due to the popular Nuart Festival, alongside the popular and local eating and shopping venues that The Green has to offer.
“As we move forward, we hope to build on this and see the area develop as an exciting location for businesses and residents, as well as for local events; enhancing the vitality of the east end of Union Street.
“Rockspring would be happy to engage with the Nuart artists to see if we could incorporate similar art into our proposals for the regeneration, which would be in line with our aim to create an innovative architectural building and greatly improved surroundings.”
A public exhibition on the proposals will be held by Rockspring at the entrance to the former BHS store on November 1 from 12-8pm.
