New images of a £68million project to build hundreds of flats and a public promenade at Rubislaw Quarry have been unveiled.
Toronto-based developer Carttera is preparing to submit a planning application for 299 private rented flats, a resident’s gym, 332 parking spaces and a public walkway with viewpoints over the historic site that gave the Granite City its name.
Included in the proposals is a heritage bistro, which will be host to an exhibition on the history of the quarry.
Jim Tadeson, the founder of Carttera, said the development has been designed to ensure Rubislaw Quarry is accessible to the public.
He said: “Our team, which is mostly Scottish and Aberdeen-based, has worked very hard to prepare this application and has consulted extensively with local residents, authorities and been respectful of public policy initiatives at the local, regional and national levels.
“There are many benefits to Aberdeen, from providing much-needed new rental housing, to opening up the quarry to the public for viewing along our quarry walk, to our heritage bistro and exhibits showcasing the history of the quarry and granite in Aberdeen.
“The design itself was inspired by the famous Three Sisters of Glencoe, and is based on stacks of large granite blocks to form their shape.”
Russell Borthwick, the chief executive of Aberdeen and Grampian Chamber of Commerce, said the proposals could bring benefits to the local economy.
He said: “To enable the economic renaissance vision for the region to be realised, we need people and organisations to bring investment, innovation, skills and jobs to the north-east.
“This proposal is a vote of confidence in the future of our economy.
“Rubislaw Quarry is an iconic part of Aberdeen’s story, and provides a great potential for creating a unique visitor offering, celebrating our granite heritage.”
A separate application by Aberdeen businessman Hugh Black to build a heritage centre on the southern side of the quarry has also been put forward, but the proposal hit the rocks in January after an application to change a title deed at the site to enable the project to proceed was denied by the Lands Tribunal for Scotland.
Last month, Mr Black said he would continue his efforts to move forward with his plans for a £6million visitor centre.
