A multimillion pound transformation of Union Terrace Gardens in Aberdeen has finally been agreed – more than a decade after the idea was first mooted.
Over the years there have been several proposals put forward for the city centre spot, including Peacock Visual Art’s vision for a contemporary arts centre and Sir Ian Wood’s offer of £50million to raise the sunken garden to street level.
The rival plans divided the city, but ultimately were both rejected.
But yesterday, councillors backed a fresh £22million revamp of the gardens – with the ambitious project expected to be complete by 2020.
London Olympic Park designers LDA were appointed in autumn 2016 to draw up the massive scheme, which includes a new accessible walkway route from Union Street, lift access, a halo lighting feature over the central lawn and a new water feature.
There are also plans to install bars and restaurants into the arches and oil toilets, adding fresh life to the Victorian park.
Councillors visited the site yesterday, before unanimously backing the project.
And although only 24 objections against the scheme were lodged, one opponent made his feelings known – shouting out from the public gallery that the project would “ruin the architectural heritage” of the park.
Euan Clark, who listened to the discussion, said afterwards: “A cabal of councillors have pushed this through against the heritage of the city.”
Last night, planning committee member Bill Cormie admitted the application “lacked the wow factor” and complained that the business case had not been discussed before the planning application.
The Rosemount councillor said: “It is not exactly the Dundee waterfront we are being offered, there is no wow factor in the application.
“The water feature around the Wallace statue will become a moat attracting leaves and rubbish.
“The devil will be in the detail regarding costing and delivery.”
Planning vice-convener Jennifer Stewart said the ruling Conservative, Aberdeen Labour and independent alliance “would not be forgiven” if they did not bring forward ambitious plans for the gardens at the end of their term – having pledged to come up with their own revitalisation in 2012.
She said: “There will always be winners and losers but now we really have to move forward.
“The reality of this application is preserving key features of the gardens for generations to come while making them more accessible for the public.”
And committee convener Marie Boulton said: “It was a vision shaped by the people and one which everybody could unite behind.
“We need to bring this flagship city centre masterplan project to fruition as quickly as possible so that residents and visitors can fully enjoy Aberdeen’s special green heart.
“The regeneration of Union Terrace Gardens can drive the transformation of the whole city.”
The council will now takes steps to appoint a contractor, with work expected to start in the autumn.
The target completion date is summer 2020, with the gardens closed to the public for the construction period.
Project director Kirstin Taylor, from LDA Design, said: “We are delighted that the vision to transform Union Terrace Gardens into a safe and social all-year round destination has been approved by the council. It’s a significant moment in Aberdeen’s history.”
