Work has started on a £6million art gallery in one of Aberdeen’s most deprived areas to “share the city’s cultural capital”.
Aberdeen Treasure Hub – a name chosen by pupils from nearby Northfield Academy – is scheduled to open its doors at Byron Square this summer.
The site will house millions of pounds worth of the city’s art collection, historical objects and works while not on public display – as is currently the case with the ongoing Aberdeen Art Gallery revamp.
Local authorities have been criticised for not putting art they own on public display and figures last year revealed as much as 90% of the Granite City’s works cannot be seen by the public.
But the new site will be available to the public, so they can enjoy the treasures on show.
Council services, including the Creative Learning team, will introduce participatory arts programmes at the building, while also providing greater public access to the collections through general and specialised tours.
Educational projects, school visits, activities and learning events are also being developed.
The centre also includes space for community use with regular opportunities for people to select items for their own special viewings.
Aberdeen Art Gallery, the Remembrance Hall and Cowdray Hall are closed until winter 2017 as part of a £30 million redevelopment project.
Council leader Jenny Laing said the centre aimed to offer culture to everybody in Aberdeen.
She said: “This is about bringing art and culture out into the community to an environment where people are comfortable and can interact and relate with the collection on their own terms.
“It’s a huge part of our regeneration programme for the area, which includes the new Henry Rae community centre, hundreds of new council houses and sporting facilities.
“In Northfield, we have combined a programme of art and culture, sports, housing and community, all under the umbrella of a regeneration programme which goes right to the heart of the area.”
Northfield councillor Gordon Graham added: “The site had been left derelict for a number of years, so I think it’s great it’s being redeveloped for community use.
“Hopefully it will attract more employment and businesses to the area.”
