A council buyout of the Trinity Centre has been ruled out “at this time” – as the next multi-million-pound wave of Aberdeen regeneration work was unanimously backed.
The £150 million masterplan refresh is bringing forward new ideas for the city centre and beach.
Those include the potential for a new Dons stadium at the seafront as well as the Aberdeen market development in Union Street.
Councillors backed the new masterplan blueprint, expanding the area it covered to take in historic Footdee and the Donmouth.
But planners threw in a curveball last week, prompting eleventh hour backroom negotiations between political leaders.
Planning chief suggested Aberdeen should buy Trinity Centre
The shopping centre also lies in the central stretch of Union Street and across from Union Terrace Gardens, undergoing a near £30m rejuvenation itself.
And we reported that chief planning officer David Dunne had suggested there was an “opportunity” to similarly snap up the Trinity Centre.
Pressed by The P&J, management firm Ellandi would only admit that there was a “possibility” of a sale.
It is not yet on the market but there are seven shops and three kiosks up for rent currently.
Trinity Centre nearly split unanimous Aberdeen masterplan backing
The SNP and Liberal Democrat ruling partnership agreed with the Conservatives and Labour that the taxpayer should not purchase the centre.
Leaders had spoken in the chamber – and had appeared to reach unanimity after months of arguing the finer points.
But opposition members looked stunned when council co-leader Alex Nicoll stopped short of putting those reservations on the record.
Conservative group leader Ryan Houghton said: “While I appreciate his assurances, I think it’s important that we give a categoric statement today that the council is not going to buy the Trinity Centre.
“I don’t see why the administration would be hesitant to do so. I’m quite perplexed.”
Co-leaders Nicoll and Yuill, Mr Houghton and Labour chief Sandra Macdonald then left the room to strike an agreement.
The hasty talks lasted all of three minutes. More time was then needed for the co-leaders to quickly scribble up a wording that would rule out the purchase.
“This council has no intention to purchase the Trinity Centre at this time,” they composed.
Mr Nicoll added: “We have managed to reach an agreement. We have clarified the minor hiccup there.
“I think it is very good for the council that we have been able to do that.
“Remembering back to 2015, we first agreed the city centre masterplan unanimously.
“It is good when we manage to get consensus.”
It brought a unanimous end to a two-day-long council meeting which was otherwise anything but.
Plans for Union Street and the city centre expected by end of the year
Aberdeen City Council has recent form for purchasing retail sites to aid the reimagining of Union Street.
A £50m London-Borough-style market is being built on the former BHS premises and indoor market further down the city’s main thoroughfare.
Public consultation on the beach plans will be opened in autumn.
Further detailed plans for many city-centre projects, including Union Street and the new market. are expected in December.
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