A local hospitality kingpin is poised to take the reins of the revamped Aberdeen Market.
The McGinty’s Group, spearheaded by Allan Henderson, has been named as the preferred bidder for the multi-million-pound city centre site.
It comes just weeks after local businessman Robert Keane confirmed he had purchased the nearby Trinity Centre, with a view to turning it around and boosting Union Street.
The McGinty’s Group runs institutions like The Silver Darling, The Grill, No 10 and Under The Hammer. Nearby on Union Street, it operates The Esslemont.
Aberdeen City Council today confirmed it had agreed heads of terms with the outfit, meaning the main aspects of the deal have been settled on.
Officials believe the company is best placed to make the new Aberdeen Market a “destination venue”, boasting an international feel.
‘Proud Aberdonian’ ready to play part in saving the city centre
And bosses from The McGinty’s Group have vowed to work alongside some of the region’s best “up-and-coming producers” to create a lucrative attraction.
Allan Henderson, director of the organisation, is also a part of the Our Union Street taskforce aimed at reviving the Granite Mile.
As a “long-term advocate” of efforts to rejuvenate the area, he said he was “thrilled” to play a key role in a scheme he believes will “transform the city”.
Allan said: “We have proven throughout the bidding process that our passion for the city and expertise in the hospitality industry is unmatched.
“It is likely that the new market will employ up to 200 people. As a proud Aberdonian, I am very excited The McGinty’s Group will play its part in this project.”
When can we expect the Aberdeen Market to open?
At the moment, the site has been cleared and legal work is ongoing ahead of the next stage of the project getting under way.
A revised planning application, leaving more open space on The Green, is currently awaiting approval.
Allan told the Press and Journal that it was a change he personally lobbied for, with the new events area aimed at making it a bigger attraction.
But the new destination won’t be ready until 2025, which leaves the businessman plenty of time to get traders signed up…
How did McGinty’s Group beat industry ‘big boys’ to land Aberdeen Market deal?
Allan acknowledges that taking on Aberdeen Market will be a change for the McGinty’s Group – which has gone from running just one venue to 10 in the last 14 years.
But he says the firm’s experience made it a “natural contender”, even “up against the big boys who do a lot of these projects across the UK”.
And, in piecing together plans for the site, Allan drafted in experts from various fields.
He consulted Aberdeen-based brewing success story Fierce Beer, who supply his venues, and former Taste of Grampian head honcho Carol Fowler.
If anyone knows the region’s local larder well, then it’s her.
Allan added: “Carol is part of our team, and she is bringing us that expertise.”
How will McGinty’s Group help new food firms at Aberdeen Market?
The McGinty’s Group’s Martin Widerlechner pledged to offer “springboard opportunities” to small businesses.
He continued: “Whether it is food operators, traders or creatives, we hope to showcase the best north-east has to offer – while offering affordable spaces.”
Allan tells us: “We are looking to bring in some of the best food producers and retailers from the city and Aberdeenshire, giving people a reason to come to the city centre.
“Beyond that, we want this to draw in tourists and cruise ship passengers.
“We will be looking for butchers, bakers, whisky shops and more to help do that.”
What’s more, the businessman hopes that traders who thrive in the new market could go on to open their own premises on Union Street – helping to rejuvenate the wider city centre.
And The McGinty’s Group has pledged to mentor fledgling Aberdeen Market businesses to help them grow.
Council pleased that local experts are to run Aberdeen Market
Ultimately, the new Aberdeen Market will improve connectivity between Union Street and the bus and railway stations via The Green.
Council co-leader Ian Yuill added: “The McGinty’s Group runs some of the city’s most well-known hospitality venues.
“I look forward to seeing the detailed designs for the interior of the market.”
‘Aberdeen is fighting back’
The UK Government has pledged £20 million towards the scheme, with Michael Gove tipping it to lead Aberdeen’s renaissance during a recent visit.
The announcement came just hours after we revealed that another indoor food market could be opening up at an alternative city centre site.
At a time of renewed optimism about Aberdeen, a defiant Allan added: “I think people have had enough of those talking our city down.
“Aberdeen is starting to fight back, there are so many good things going on.”
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