Fresh images of Aberdeen’s planned harbour expansion have been revealed – and show the potential for luxury cruise ships to dock.
The £320million project to expand to Nigg Bay was first unveiled in 2012, and has since been described by Scottish Enterprise as having a “critical role” to play in the future of Scotland.
Harbour bosses want to expand to meet future demand for berthing space from the oil and gas sector, and to attract bigger cruise ships to the north-east.
The latest images – which are now on display at Aberdeen City Council’s Marschial College headquarters – show how a liner could be accommodated in the harbour, opening up the potential to bring more visitors to the north-east.
Aberdeen Harbour Board, Scottish Enterprise and the council are currently preparing a development framework for Nigg Bay, Altens and East Tullos.
The framework will look at the long-term development and regeneration opportunities created as a result of the proposed near harbour at Nigg Bay.
Now the public is being invited to view the latest stage of the project, and have their say on the proposals.
The exhibition, organised by planning and design company Barton Willmore, will be on show in the reception at Marschial College until next Wednesday. with the public urged to have their say.
Last night community leaders said residents of the north-east should help shape the major development.
Sue Porter, secretary of Cove and Altens Community Council, said: “It can only be good for the point of view of the whole city – it’s just a pity it’s been left for so long.
“The current harbour is not big enough, there is talk that cruise-ships will now be able to come in.
“If roads are upgraded as it is proposed then traffic could be diverted from Wellington Road which would be great.”
Ramsay Milne, convener of the local authority’s planning development management committee, added: “I would urge as many people as possible to get involved in this process and have their say on the framework which will help to shape the future development of Aberdeen harbour and the surrounding area.”
As well as , the development framework outlines plans to regenerate the wider area.
Under the proposals, the existing roads in Nigg would be improved to create better access to the harbour, including the widening of the busy Coast Road from the existing rail bridge crossing.
Greyhope Road, St Fitticks Road and the Coast Road could also be re-routed.
After five years, the development will turns its focus towards Altens and East Tullos.
It is thought the harbour will allow new opportunities to emerge on land which is presently underdeveloped.
Possible improvements could also be made to Wellington Road, at Souter Head roundabout and the junctions into East Tullos.
A direct route from East Tullos into the harbour will also be needed, which could be provided by the construction of an access route across St Fitticks Park.
Last year, it was estimated that building the second harbour would generate an extra £1billion for the Scottish economy every year – and create 3,000 jobs in the north-east.
Aberdeen Harbour Board’s chief executive also said earlier year that the planned expansion is the key to “anchoring the supply chain” to the north-east.
For those who cannot get to Marischal College to view the development framework, visit www.aberdeencity.gov.uk/masterplanning