Protestors joined arms around the site of Aberdeen’s controversial Marischal Square development yesterday branding the project a “concrete monstrosity” which would obliterate the city’s most historic buildings.
The Fight for the Site campaign was staged after an unauthorised 3D interpretation of how the £107million scheme could look began circulating online last week, prompting a backlash from opponents.
Campaigners fear Muse Developments’ plans for an office, hotel and retail complex – which councillors backed last October – will totally obscure iconic Marishcal College and historic Provost Skene’s House.
However, city council finance convener Willie Young said the development was “essential” to the administration’s plans for the regeneration of Aberdeen.
He also warned that council taxpayers would be left to foot a £100million cancellation fee if the project was abandoned at this late stage – which could lead to cuts in services.
Organiser Mags Gray said: “We need to stand up and show that the citizens of Aberdeen have had enough of poor architecture.
“I am absolutely shocked that the skyline will be obliterated by a concrete monstrosity.
“It is the wrong building in the wrong place.
“We should be celebrating the heritage of Aberdeen – this will just obscure it.”.
Aberdeenshire artist Gabrielle Reith, 38, said the plan would see something “pretty much” the same as St Nicholas House being built, only bigger.
She added: “They are going to be building architecture here that will be taken down in another 50 years time.
“Marischal College is a stunning iconic granite building and we should make more of it and this is not going to be doing it any favours.
“Provost Skene’s House is going to disappear as well.
“It would be good to see something sympathetic – some great contemporary architecture for our city.
“In Dundee, they are getting the V&A Museum which is absolutely stunning.
“I think the council here seems to lack vision.”
However, Labour group secretary Mr Young, defended the project, saying: “This is city centre regeneration that Aberdeen badly needs if it is to retain its position as the energy capital of Europe.
“This development, once occupied, will provide around 4,000 jobs – something that no city in Scotland can refuse.
“We believe the vast majority of citizens of Aberdeen back our city centre regeneration plans as they understand Aberdeen needs to change to compete not just in Scotland but with our competitors in Norway, Australia, USA and Canada.”