Residents will get the chance to have their say on the designs for controversial plans to pedestrianise part of the city centre.
Three options will be on table for the £1.2million project, which has been described as the “heart of the city centre masterplan” – the full pedestrianisation of Broad Street, opening it openly to buses and bikes, or keeping the status quo.
Yesterday, councillors agreed the proposals should go out to public consultation before a final decision is made at full council next month.
Before the debate, members heard speeches from bus chiefs and Russell Borthwick, chief executive of Aberdeen and Grampian Chamber of Commerce.
Daniel Laird, commercial manager of First Bus, warned the firm “can’t support measures to constrict buses in Broad Street.”
Mr Borthwick, who previously called for all parties to get behind the masterplan, said the city was “playing catch up” with others across the UK and urged unity.
He said: “We need to move forward with this plan and we need to do it now.
“The masterplan must not become a political football ahead of council elections next year.”
But it was not all smooth sailing, with the Liberal Democrat group arguing the consultation period should be four weeks longer so people would not feel it was a “box-ticking exercise”.
Group leader Ian Yuill said: “We are anxious that a decision is made but this is a 25 year masterplan and we didn’t want the people of Aberdeen to feel they had been bounced on it for the sake of a few more weeks.”
But all other parties united against the Liberals and the motion was carried.
Last night finance convener Willie Young welcomed the decision for consultation but warned that a decision must be made soon on the proposal or risk “dooming” the masterplan.
He said: “I’m delighted that we are about to get consultation started and that a decision will be made on this at the June meeting.
“If we can’t start with some proposal on Broad Street then the masterplan is doomed.
“I would urge the public to come and give us their views.”
