Council chiefs who turned down Sir Ian Wood’s offer of £50million towards a transformation of Aberdeen city centre have said it would be “very nice” if he would invest in their own vision.
The political leaders of the Labour-led council confirmed yesterday that the oil services businessman had been kept “in the loop” about the council’s proposals for heart of the Granite City.
The Press and Journal revealed on Tuesday that the local authority could approach Sir Ian for funding, three years after it rejected his money for a redevelopment at Union Terrace Gardens.
Asked about such a move, council leader Jenny Laing and deputy leader Marie Boulton confirmed that contact had been made.
Mrs Laing said: ”I’m not aware that officials have spoken to him directly about the masterplan but I’d be astonished, given the high profile of Sir Ian Wood in this city, if he hasn’t had meetings with our officials.”
Mrs Boulton said: “I’ll speak to anybody who wants to give us money”.
She added: “What I would say is that I’ve tried to keep Sir Ian Wood in the loop with what’s happening with the regeneration board, because I think it’s important given his interest in the city centre.
“He will get his copy of the city centre masterplan now that it is approved.”
Asked what £50million of investment would mean for the delivery of the plans, Mrs Boulton said: “I’m sure it would be very nice”.