The leaders of Aberdeenshire Council have given their backing to plans designed to breathe new life into the heart of Aberdeen.
City councillors unanimously approved a masterplan to try to revive the centre on Wednesday, three years after rejecting a £140million scheme to raise Union Terrace Gardens.
The blueprint contained 49 projects, including the extension of the gardens, pedestrianisation of much of Union Street and Guild Street, and a new foot bridge over the River Dee.
Martin Kitts-Hayes, the co-leader of Aberdeenshire Council, gave his support to the neighbouring local authority’s plans yesterday.
“We’re pleased as a council to see the city masterplan reach this stage of consideration,” he said.
“It’s important to the success of Aberdeenshire that there is a strong and vibrant city centre and this vision outlines how current and future challenges might be tackled, and opportunities explored.”
Richard Thomson, the other co-leader, said: “I know the masterplan has been the subject of very detailed and widespread consultation and I am sure Aberdeenshire residents will have taken the opportunity to share their thoughts.
“The plan has a vital role to play in ensuring the onward success of the city centre, so for it to have reached this stage is very encouraging.”
Ryan Manson, general manager of the Union Square shopping centre in the city, also welcomed the plan’s approval.
‘”We are pleased to hear that the city centre masterplan has now been adopted by Aberdeen City Council,” he said.
“The masterplan outlines the direction of investment and growth in Aberdeen City Centre and we look forward to Union Square playing its part in that future.’’