An Aberdeen hospitality boss has accused the council of “kicking business in the teeth” by rejecting plans for a money-making marquee.
No 10 Bar and Restaurant erected the tent on Queen’s Terrace Gardens when Covid placed tough rules on eating and drinking indoors.
Owners The McGinty’s Group struck a deal with the council for use of the public space during a dire hour of need, and with nowhere else to place it.
And although Covid restrictions have since been lifted, the business is still trying to get back on its feet.
Bosses say this has been hampered by new challenges such as rising fuel bills and rail strikes reducing the number of people coming into the city.
And No 10 was hopeful that reviving the marquee this summer could help boost trade – as well as secure 20 jobs.
Community leaders who scuppered marquee return ‘a disgrace’
But following complaints about the mess left behind, and about a private firm using public space for commercial gain, the council refused permission.
Director at McGinty’s, Allan Henderson, has been left “furious” about the blow.
The north-east hospitality kingpin also took aim at Queen’s Cross and Harlaw Community Council – who objected to the tent coming back.
Mr Henderson branded the group an “absolute disgrace” and urged every member to “review their position”.
“I live in the west end and that community council doesn’t represent the area,” he said.
Grass complaints rubbished in No 10 marquee row
He is adamant the majority of the local community is in favour of the marquee – and fears the repercussions of its loss.
The businessman said: “We are furious about it.
“This is a small slice of the park, probably less than 5% of it, away at the furthest end from Union Street.
“We had an agreement with the council that we would rent the site then return the grass to its former state after the marquee was lifted.
“Because we had an application in to bring it back, it would have been crazy to do so and then put the marquee back again.
“It’s grass. Grass regrows.
“The council received a handful of objections, but we had 1,500 people supporting us…”
Aberdeen City Council accused of ‘appalling behaviour’
Mr Henderson is referring to positive feedback from customers who supported the marquee as “a beautiful place to catch up with chums” and “something to look forward to through these strange times”.
He also lashed out at the council for only confirming its decision this week, three months after the plans were submitted.
“The council behaved appallingly in terms of the time taken to come back to us,” he said.
“Just a few weeks ago they were asking for fire and engineering studies, adding another £10,000 to the cost…
“But it seems like they made their minds up the day it landed on their desk, since the main reason is the use of Queen’s Terrace Gardens.
“If the site wasn’t appropriate anyway, why ask for all these reports?”
Why couldn’t marquee have been put up elsewhere?
Some have suggested that No 10 could instead have erected the marquee in the car park behind the restaurant.
But Mr Henderson explained that was not possible, as the space is owned by the Abrdn investment company and backs onto nearby homes.
When asked if No 10 would appeal the marquee decision, Mr Henderson said there was “no point”.
The process could take months, and the idea was only to have the tent in place until September.
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People will have to go jobless after row over No 10 marquee
As for where this leaves the business, he added: “Unfortunately, we won’t be able to employ 20 people off the back of it.
“Last year it saved 40 jobs as it meant we were able to keep No 10 open, this year there would have been another 20 over the summer.
“Now, people will just go to places that do have outdoor spaces. That’s what will happen. When we had one of the best ones.”
‘My phone has been red hot…’
Mr Henderson continued: “The council are saying we should be encouraging cafe culture, and this was done at no cost to them…
“The council has gone against the wishes of the people of the west end, and people are furious.
“My phone has been red hot with people texting me, saying ‘what a shame the council are not for supporting businesses’.
“This is at a time when hospitality is up against it.
“The council have actually kicked a business in the teeth when we are trying to recover from Covid… It’s not right.”
Aberdeen City Council declined to comment, saying the reasons for the refusal were made clear to Mr Henderson.
Queen’s Cross and Harlaw Community Council was approached for comment.
You can see the No 10 marquee plans that sparked the row here.
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