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The torturous past of Union Terrace Gardens’ regeneration

Artist's impression of the regenerated Union Terrace Gardens.
Artist's impression of the regenerated Union Terrace Gardens.

Redeveloping the Victorian park has been on the political agenda for more than a decade.

In 2008, billionaire Sir Ian Wood first announced plans to invest £50 million of his fortune in the creation of a new city centre square.

By 2010, the plans were approved by councillors, despite being rejected by public consultation.

One of the most controversial aspects of Sir Ian’s plan was the idea of bringing the sunken site up to street level.

Rival plans from Peacock Visual Arts was rejected.

The plans were eventually put to a public vote in 2012, with 52% of Aberdonians backing them following a well-publicised campaign.

However, the Labour group put overturning the decision at the heart of their manifesto and won the most seats in the council election of that year, going on to form the administration.

A bitter council battle ensued and the plans finally blocked following a narrow two-vote majority decision (22-20) that sparked an outcry.

In 2014, Sir Ian Wood withdrew his £50 million gift and the future seemed unclear for the gardens.

Then, in 2016, the Labour-led administration commissioned London Olympic Park designers LDA for a multi-million-pound overhaul, including new light features and new shops in the arches.

The planning committee backed the plans in 2018 and the the authority have now confirmed they are seeking to appoint a contractor to carry out the work – estimated to be worth £22 million.