A north-east ice cream maker has announced it will be among the first tenants to move into Aberdeen’s Marischal Square.
Ice cream favourites Mackie’s are the latest to sign up to the £107million restaurant, office and retail complex which is scheduled to open next year.
The company, based in Rothienorman, hopes to open a coffee shop on the site.
Karin Mackie, marketing director of Mackie’s of Scotland, said: “With the Marischal Square development progressing at great speed and on schedule to be completed next summer, we are delighted to be part of such an exciting investment project at the heart of our home city.
“We are proud of our north-east heritage and will work hard to make this an exciting ice cream parlour and coffee shop in the centre of Aberdeen.”
It is also understood that an Italian restaurant has expressed interest in taking space at the development.
Under the complex financial arrangements for Marischal Square, the council will need to take in around £5million a year in rates to break even.
If it doesn’t, the local authority will have to step in with the shortfall.
The 35-year PFI style deal will result in the council being able to buy the development for £1 after the period.
The news of the latest tenant comes five months after All Bar One announced it was to move into the complex, which is now at its full height – standing at more than five storeys.
The Marriott Hotel is the only other firm to have signed up as tenants.
Aberdeen Journals Ltd – publishers of the Press and Journal and Evening Express- remain in talks.
The site, which is across from Marischal College, will include 173,500sq ft of office space.