Ambitious multi-million pound proposals to regenerate an iconic Aberdeen park will go on public display this week.
LDA design, the firm behind London’s Olympic Park has been recruited to drive forward the revamp of Aberdeen’s historic Union Terrace Gardens.
A public engagement exercise will run from December 2 to December 9 and residents will be asked to share their views by completing a survey.
During the weekend, between 10am and 5pm, the plans will be displayed in the Academy Shopping centre on Belmont Street.
Then, from Monday to Friday next week, they will be shown at the Christmas Village on Union Terrace Gardens between 11am and 6pm.
An online survey will also be launched on December 2 and leaflets will be available at the exhibition sites and Marischal College, in addition to libraries and community centres.
A report is expected to go to full council in March next year.
Earlier this year, it was revealed the council had earmarked up to £17million to spruce up the sunken space. Shops and galleries could be fitted into the arches, and a bridge constructed which would span the gardens from Belmont Street to Union Terrace.
Council leader Jenny Laing said: “I would urge you to find time to study the drawings and the thinking behind them, and, in turn, to share your own views on the proposals.
“The masterplan belongs to the city in the widest sense and your feedback will be used to help hone the detailed designs that will be brought before the council [in the spring] for consideration.”
Deputy leader, Marie Boulton, who chairs the cross-party City Centre Regeneration Board, added: “LDA Design were chosen by the council to draw up proposals, because they combine sympathy for landscape with innovation.
“The goal is to enhance and transform UTG by conserving its heritage while greatly improving access, amenity and activity.
“We are confident the proposals that come forward will have the potential to tick all the boxes and deliver something for everyone.”
SNP Midstocket and Rosemount councillor Bill Cormie, whose ward includes the gardens, said: “I would encourage everybody to go and have a look at these proposals.
“This is a very important issue, not just for the people of Aberdeen, but even further afield.”
