Critics of Aberdeen’s £107million Marischal Square project say they are “enraged” the growing structure is already blocking out sunlight from the recently renovated city council HQ.
Just five years ago, the facade of the city’s Marischal College was restored to its original glory with sandblasting as part of a £65million conversion.
But critics of its new neighbour say the restoration will all have been in vain if the new leisure and office complex is allowed to rise from the ground – ensuring the granite will never sparkle in the sunlight again.
Lorna McHattie, of the Reject Marischal Square group, said people had been left devastated by the sight of the structure blocking out the Granite City landmark.
The group still believe the building can be stopped – and have renewed their attack by bombarding deal agent Aviva with objections online.
Ms McHattie said “too few” people understood the scale of the development during the public consultation in 2013-14, and how it would affect the view of Marischal College.
“Again, in November, many people who were previously unaware of the scale of the development are now enraged,” she said.
“The public outcry just now is due to the lack of transparent public engagement.
“We can see… that our glistening Marischal College will be overshadowed by a less than inspiring development, a future Plook on the Plinth for 2017.
“Space around historic buildings should be protected so that buildings of national importance retain the cultural importance with which they are credited.”
There are around 85 workers currently working at the Broad Street site as the underground car park, foundations and lift shafts start to take shape.
It is expected the building will be open for business in 2017.
Last night, Aberdeen City Council’s finance convener, Willie Young, pointed to other previously unpopular developments that now attract hundreds.
He said: “The sun has been shining since the formation of the earth and I’m sure it will continue to shine on Broad Street and into the new Marischal Square building.
“People were up in arms when Union Square was built and look how popular that’s been.
“People should get behind this.”
Aviva could not be reached for comment.
