Critics of the controversial £107million Marischal Square scheme have branded a report into the council’s financial handling of the development a “whitewash”.
Audit Scotland has said the authority had “good awareness of the risks associated with the project” and took advice from a number of bodies before proceeding.
Opponents have repeatedly called for more transparency on how the 35-year sale and leaseback deal was reached.
Kingswells man Bill Skidmore will give a presentation to councillors today on the petitions committee, claiming no risk assessment or business case was carried out to support the deal with Aviva Investors and Muse Developments.
But city council leaders have said proper processes were followed.
Now opponents have criticised the report and vowed to complain to the Accounts Commission.
Mr Skidmore, 67, said: “The absence of terms like ‘due process’ and ‘best value’ in the report are significant in what is supposed to be a ‘best value’ audit report.
“Without actually saying so, the audit report does not credit the council’s handling of the Marischal Square investment with the degree of competence that meets Audit Scotland’s published standards and guidelines for ‘best value’.
“Furthermore, the report does not validate the claims made by the council that the investment in Marischal Square is a good deal for the city.”
Lorna McHattie of the Reject Marischal Square group said: “Disappointingly, this is obviously a complete whitewash by Audit Scotland who have completely failed to hold ACC to account in this matter.
“Audit Scotland seem unconcerned that the Marischal Square lease exposure represents only a small proportion of the council’s annual budget. The Aberdeen taxpayers would prefer if appropriate steps had been taken to avoid a multi-million pound risk which will endure for 35 years.”
But finance convener Willie Young hit back at critics yesterday calling on the residents to “unite behind” the project.
He said: “In 2008 Audit Scotland came in hard on this council and said we were selling our assets too cheaply.
“People thinking this is some sort of conspiracy now need to think again.
“So let’s stop banging our heads together about this and get behind the regeneration our city.”