Radical plans for transforming an Aberdeen area into a “cultural quarter” are progressing, with work due to start in 2021.
A new report to councillors has updated them on the progress of the ambitious £150m Queen Street project.
The scheme which forms part of the 25-year City Centre Masterplan, will lead to the construction of flats and shop units in the area while capitalising on its close proximity to the likes of the Lemon Tree, Provost Skene’s House and ACT as a selling point.
The long-standing police headquarters would be demolished under the plan, with the force sharing space with the city council at Marischal College and Aberdeenshire council at their Woodhill House base.
The future of the 1970s A-listed town house extension remains unclear, but options will be assessed with the property still potentially facing the bulldozers.
However, many details remain unresolved, including relocating the city’s morgue from the police base.
A report to councillors has a commencement date for work in the summer of 2021
It reads: “The city faces several significant challenges going forward; remaining globally relevant and managing the diversification of employment post oil and gas, rapid pace of technological change impacting all facets of life, increasing pressure on public service as budgets decrease and demand becoming more complex with a changing population.
“Cultural and creative industries have an important part to play as a driver for new employment and enterprise, championing human connection and communal experience while pushing the boundaries of innovation through creative technology. “
Council co-leader Douglas Lumsden said: “Redeveloping this area is a key priority for us as a council and we want to move forward as quickly as possible.
“We want to improve it as a place for the people of Aberdeen to enjoy and live in.”
