Plans to demolish the Aberdeen Market building to make way for redevelopment have been conditionally approved by city councillors.
Patrizia wants to construct a glass and granite building that would be 11-storeys tall at its highest point, and would sit largely within the footprint of the current 1970s building in Market Street.
The new ‘lantern-shaped’ building would be only five-storeys tall at the Market Street end but gradually increase to 11-storeys – or 187-ft-tall – at its south-western corner, opposite the junction of Carmelite Street and Hadden Street.
It would house offices, retail space, a business lounge, cafes, car parking and public realm space.
The current building is currently home to an array of independent retailers, who have previously raised concern the project will force them out of business.
In a report considered by members of the planning committee this morning, city planners admitted the closure of Aberdeen Market would be “regrettable”.
Officials said the closure would be a “commercial decision” and not a matter to be controlled through the planning system.
Councillors were recommended to attach more than 25 conditions to any approval, and to withhold building consent until a legal agreement is signed ensuring the provision of money towards paths and a car club vehicle, as well as the provision of a new public plaza in The Green.
Owner Patrizia has separately secured planning permission to redevelop the adjoining former BHS building in Union Street into office space, shops and apartments.
Due to coronavirus, the city’s planning committee is meeting by video call.
Press and the public are unable to view proceedings live, but a recording will be made available on the council’s website this afternoon.