New plans for Aberdeen’s Energy Transition Zone (ETZ) could secure the long-term future of St Fittick’s Park.
Torry campaigners attending a consultation event today have been told the Aberdeen community’s “last bit of green space” will be largely left alone under the latest proposals.
Revised blueprints for the the major project show that two thirds the park would remain in the hands of the community.
The area closest to the £350 million south harbour will still be turned into a business park, due to its location.
And while some locals will be relieved to learn about St Fittick’s Park, no such reprieve has been offered to Doonie’s Rare Breeds Farm.
It follows two years of uncertainty, with hundreds joining the crusade to protect the treasured space from becoming an industrial site.
This summer St Fittick’s Park was chosen to host a “climate camp”, with protestors gathering to fight for the spot’s future.
The latest twist comes shortly after it seemed all was lost.
Residents were left “deeply disappointed and physically sick” two months ago when the Scottish Government backed the development, appearing to seal its fate.
Why the need for the ETZ?
The not-for-profit ETZ Ltd is made up of powerful business lobbyists like chairman Sir Ian Wood.
And the driving factor behind the mammoth project is the desire to bring more jobs to the region.
Bosses say the zone will bolster the renewable and low carbon energy sectors in Aberdeen, reducing the city’s historic reliance on oil and gas.
ETZ Ltd claims the plans for offshore wind, hydrogen, carbon capture and storage sites will directly support 2,500 jobs within eight years.
By then, it would also have supported another 10,000 energy transition related roles across the north-east.
What else are locals being promised as ETZ pledges to save St Fittick’s Park?
But today’s consultation was more about winning over locals, who have previously expressed cynicism about the site being an attempt at “greenwashing”.
To that end, it has also been confirmed that the ETZ will come with new and upgraded paths if approved.
The proposed network would connect 25km of existing and new routes between the coastal path, St Fittick’s Park, Tullos Wood and Girdleness.
Meanwhile, the East Tullos burn “will be retained and expanded” under the new vision.
The waterway would be be lengthened by 200m, a new wetlands boardwalk will be built and a new filtration pond created to improve water quality and biodiversity.
How will St Fittick’s Park be transformed?
The plans to “significantly reduce” the development at St Fittick’s Park were unveiled during the consultation event at Torry Free United Church today.
ETZ Ltd and environmental consultants, Ironside Farrar, say the revisions were based on the “ideas, concerns and suggestions raised by local citizens”.
Here is the new vision for the site, showing how waterways will be enahnced and pinpointing areas that could be in line for improvement:
‘We recognise the strength of sentiment’
The change also followed government recommendations that measures be taken to protect biodiversity across the site.
Now, bosses say they will “minimise the loss of land” at St Fittick’s while “maximising its potential use for high value energy transition activity”.
They say the new plans mean “less than a third” of the park will be affected.
Maggie McGinlay, chief executive of ETZ Ltd, said she “recognised the strength of sentiment” when it came to saving St Fittick’s Park.
Another proposed benefit is upgrading the Coast Road and Hareness Road – to cope with increased traffic southward from the harbour and reduce congestion in Torry.
ETZ Ltd also say an “advanced manufacturing skills hub” at the Altens Industrial Estate will be “fully accessible” to locals – offering “flexible spaces that can be used by local groups for a range of activities”.
The complex, made possible with Just Transition funding, will also offer jobs, apprenticeships, training and re-skilling opportunities for locals.
What’s more, they say, a “mobile manufacturing skills lab” will travel around north-east schools – with a focus on promoting clean fuel technology and energy careers in Torry, Cove and Kincorth.
Other potential projects include:
- A Tullos wood gateway: A safe and accessible network of paths providing a “direct connection” between Torry and the woodland which offers panoramic views over Aberdeen.
- New “pocket parks”: Under-utilised spaces could be enhanced with play equipment.
- A new BMX pump track: This could “enhance leisure and recreation facilities at St Fittick’s Park”.
- Skate park improvements: New features such as bowls, half-pipes, and decks could “create a higher quality facility for young people”.
- Tullos School Lodge: The disused building by St Fittick’s Park could be “regenerated” as a community facility for leisure and sport.
- And a new community fund: Cash would go to local projects and initiatives
Do the latest promises change your views on the ETZ plans? Let us know in our comments section below
It comes as Aberdeen competes with other harbours in the UK and Europe for a potential boom in work on renewable energy developments offshore.
ETZ Ltd say losing out could “risk the future of the region”.
Maggie McGinlay, chief executive of the outfit, said the new package of proposals was devised following “extensive dialogue” with locals.
Here we provide her answers to some of the biggest questions surrounding the scheme.
Why the decision to save St Fittick’s Park?
“We recognise the strength of sentiment and how important accessible green public space, and biodiverse areas are for the people of Torry, particularly the walkways, wetlands and habitats at St Fittick’s Park.
“We have listened carefully to these concerns and have sought to address them.”
Why use any of St Fittick’s Park at all?
“I fully appreciate concerns about utilising any of the land at St Fittick’s.
“The ability to connect land with port assets, and transport large components to and from quayside, is a fundamental requirement so we achieve the investment required to ensure Aberdeen is positioned to capitalise on the vast opportunities provided by new and green energies, particularly offshore wind.”
Will ETZ create jobs bonanza in Torry?
“We are also focussed on ensuring the local community is prioritised in terms of our efforts to equip local residents with up-skilling and job opportunities associated.
“The development of the zone and the Advanced Manufacturing Skills Hub will, in partnership with NESCol, help deliver on that aim.”
The Local Development Plan will now be considered for adoption by Aberdeen City Council in the coming weeks and any detailed proposals will go through the usual planning process.
BP has already announced plans for a hydrogen hub on part of the site.
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