Major plans to convert Aberdeen’s former John Lewis department store into an entertainment venue with two-storey go-kart track could reignite the area.
Councillors gave the city-centre revamp project the green light more than four years after the George Street landmark served its final customers.
Work to transform Norco House into a leisure hub spanning three floors with a go-kart track, along with a host of other entertainment activities, can now get under way.
There would also be a bowling alley, arcade, mini golf area and pool tables.
The proposals were given the go-ahead during Thursday’s planning committee, with councillors saying it can kickstart the regeneration of George Street as a whole.
Why were the John Lewis plans approved?
Councillors voted through the development, citing the footfall boost it could bring to George Street in a “real wish to regenerate” the area.
This was despite fears from neighbours that boozed-up revellers combined with roaring engines would disturb their evenings.
Ultimately, it was agreed to discuss operational hours further with the owners only after the plans were officially endorsed.
What are the plans for new Aberdeen go-kart track?
Plans for the former John Lewis were revealed earlier this year after months of speculation.
Owners EP Properties are looking to potentially rent out the first floor as a restaurant.
Meanwhile, the go-kart tracks will stretch across the second and third floor, linking the two areas into one big centre for racing fans.
There would also be a laser arena on the third floor, with access from the Bon Accord centre being reopened.
What did councillors have to say about the plans?
During Thursday’s planning meeting, councillors were optimistic about the benefits that the new entertainment hub could bring to the city centre.
But not without taking neighbours’ complaints on board…
Those living nearby had previously raised fears over engines potentially being too noisy and disrupting their evenings.
Some also had qualms about having customers roaming about at night.
Councillor Marie Boulton said: “Any decision we make, we have to consider whether people can enjoy the amenity of their home.”
But in the end, members believed the pros outweighed the cons, and specifically the benefits the entertainment hub could bring to the area.
Councillor Sandra Macdonald, who represents the George Street/Harbour ward, said:Â “There is a real wish to regenerate the area and I think this will bring that to George Street.
“There are opportunities for those pubs and restaurants in the George Street area with the greater footfall to make good use of more people coming there.”
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‘We are no longer just focusing on Belmont or Union Street’
Speaking to The Press and Journal after the meeting, councillor Ciaran McRae echoed Ms Macdonald’s views.
The chair of the planning committee said: “I do think it adds to the regeneration of the George Street area which has obviously been lost following John Lewis’ closure.
“It adds to what we’re offering across the city centre. We’re no longer just concentrating on say the Belmont Street area or Union Street.”
John Lewis go-karts a ‘major shot in the arm’ for city centre
And lead designer of the project, Richard Tinto, feels that with plans now approved, the entertainment hub can be a “major shot in the arm” to the city centre.
Mr Tinto told the P&J: “This is the type of big development that will get lots of people back in, will accelerate lots of people using the city centre.”
Although he didn’t have exact figures, he expects “thousands of people every week” moving through Norco House once its facelift is complete.
“They will all be spending money in the shops, in restaurants, parking, and adding to the city centre economy,” Mr Tinto continued.
And whilst the developers themselves are remaining tight-lipped, agent for the building Richard Noble said they were “delighted” with the news.
The FG Burnett director added: This news allows us to finalise discussions with interested occupiers.
“The level of interest is very encouraging and we hope to announce tenants for the majority of the building in the coming weeks.
“Suffice to say this development is transformational for Aberdeen.”
You can view the full meeting here.
Read more:
- Aberdeen’s John Lewis go-kart plans poised for approval – despite neighbours’ fears over engine noise
- Thistle Tavern: ‘How I’ve managed to make £1 million in my first year as Union Street success story’
- Images reveal glimpse of new look Union Street as granite setts finally laid amid upgrades project
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