Work on the multimillion-pound Marischal Square project in Aberdeen reached its highest point yesterday.
A topping out ceremony was held at the city centre site to mark the latest “milestone” being reached in the scheme.
Around £107million is being ploughed into the development, with Marriot International, All Bar One, Mackie’s and Prezzo already signed up.
Aberdeen Journals remain in talks.
Under the financial arrangements for the scheme the council will need to take in £5million a year in business rates to break even.
The 16th-centruy Provost Skene’s House will be the centrepiece and could be transformed into a museum celebrating famous Aberdonians throughout history and up to the present day.
But there has been criticism for the project from the outset with objectors raising fears over the visual impact on Marischal College, the financial risk and the potential of damage to Provost Skene’s House, among other issues.
Yesterday, councillors and the developers said they were “confident” the historic house was being protected and that the development would be filled.
Council leader Jenny Laing said: “We have reached a major milestone on the journey of this development and it’s a pleasure to be at this topping out ceremony.
“We have attracted big names, national and local, and I’m confident we will be able to fill it to capacity.”
Deputy council leader Marie Boulton added: “I think there has been a real change of attitude recently and people are beginning to take a genuine interest.
“I think people’s fears, especially over Provost Skene’s House, will be dispelled. There have been weekly checks taking place on the house and I’d reassure people that everything that can be done is being done.”
Steve Turner, regional director for developer Muse, said: “The next phase is for us to install the granite panels in the next two or three weeks.
“It is on schedule for completion in July.”
Critic Bill Skidmore said: “We, the public, have no access to Provost Skene’s so have no way of knowing whether or not it has been adequately protected.”