Questions have been raised over the “business case” for spending £730,000 upgrading a popular Aberdeen animal attraction.
Pets Corner at Hazlehead Park has been a firm favourite with families for 50 years, and now there are plans to refurbish the aviary, aquarium and reptile house.
Yesterday, a temporary home for 12ft Burmese python Vader custom-built by Bon Accord Glass was unveiled ahead of the revamp.
Pets Corner is currently home to a variety of animals including rabbits, chinchillas, donkeys, tropical fish, ducks and a pygmy goat, and it is hoped the project will bring more visitors to the park.
But last night, a row broke out about whether the upgrade was necessary.
The money for the project would come from the the council’s underspend, a council fund and planning gain, and if approved work would begin in autumn.
Opposition SNP group leader Stephen Flynn questioned the business case for the project, and said they had seen no guarantees that the upgrade would make money for the council.
He said: “We have not seen any sort of a business case for this development and I’m sure many people in the city would have concerns about this level of expenditure.
“I think when you put more than £700,000 into a project you need to be able to expect some sort of return.
“We are not sure if it will at this time.”
But finance vice convener Alan Donnelly said Mr Flynn was being “selective” in his opposition.
He said: “Lots of people enjoy the pets and the fact is we have millions visit our parks.
“It should be left to park management to decide whether it is a good business case or not.”
Friends of Hazlehead Park chairman Donald Shaw said: “The Friends of Hazlehead group has been one of the driving forces behind the renovation of Pets’ Corner.
“It is already a popular attraction and the new facilities will bring even more visitors to Hazlehead Park.”
