The principal of Robert Gordon University has said that plans to revive Aberdeen city centre are “not perfect” but can make a “huge difference” if delivered correctly.
Professor Ferdinand von Prondzynski warned last night that a failure to act would risk the city’s economic and cultural future.
He is the latest senior figure in the north-east to comment on the local authority’s city centre masterplan, which will go before councillors tomorrow.
The professor said: “Aberdeen is a wonderful, resourceful and attractive city with a proud history. But its historic city centre now appears to many to look neglected and somewhat run down.
“If we are to be successful in securing investment, innovation and employment for the future, both in Aberdeen and in the north-east, we need to be doing things urgently to turn this around and to regenerate the city.
“The masterplan is perhaps not perfect, but if it is implemented with determination and imagination it can make a huge difference for all of us, and for the generations that come after us.
“If we do nothing now, it will place the economic and cultural future of this region at risk.”
Aberdeen and Grampian Chamber of Commerce told councillors last week that it supported the masterplan, however its bosses have revealed in a memo to members that it does not support all of the proposals.
It said: “The masterplan is not a perfect document, and we do not agree with all of the recommendations, but it is a good plan which includes everything that your chamber has been asking for on your behalf in the consultations.
“Most importantly it is based on extensive consultation which has generated marked consensus and agreement from many different people and institutions.”
