A fresh row has broken out over the spiraling cost of Aberdeen’s Union Terrace Gardens revamp.
The city council last week finally announced that the long-awaited work to transform the garden would get started this summer.
But the announcement also revealed that the cost of the project has soared to £25.7million – an additional £9million to what was first planned.
Council co-leader Jenny Laing admitted she could not guarantee any overrun in either the timescale or budget of the project, pointing to similar projects elsewhere.
In Aberdeen itself, the Third Don Crossing, Broad Street pedestrianisation and the ongoing art gallery refurbishment have all been overdue and over budget.
Now the authority’s opposition group leader, Stephen Flynn, has accused the administration of having a “casual approach” to spending taxpayer money.
He said: “It’s astounding to hear from the co-leader of the council that the administration can’t guarantee that the costs of UTG will not spiral further.
“With a £9million rise in costs since 2016 there is no doubting that the public will have already been highly sceptical as to whether this new £26million budget would be met – but this revelation from the co-leader is extraordinary.
“The administration seem to forget that this is public money they are spending and such a casual approach to overspends is simply not on.”
The flagship city centre masterplan project aims to transform the Victorian park into an “inclusive 21st century space” by improving access, amenity and activity whilst enhancing UTG’s heritage features.
The designs include three pavilions on Union Street, Union Terrace and Rosemount Viaduct, a walkway from Union Street, landscaping and lighting, and the refurbishment of the Union Terrace arches.
The first phase of work will include building a permanent safety structure on Union Bridge.
Last night, council co-leader Ms Laing insisted every effort was being made to stay on budget.
She said: “We are confident our officers have carried out the necessary due diligence in respect of the tender for Union Terrace Gardens.
“However given almost 50% of Scottish Government infrastructure projects have come in over budget it would be folly to give a cast iron guarantee that this or any project will be delivered to the exact penny.
“With these comments Councillor Flynn once again demonstrates why he is not fit to lead the council.”
