A north-east politician is taking the fight against Marischal Square to Holyrood, urging the parliament to question the financial handling of the £107million controversial project.
Aberdeen Central MSP Kevin Stewart has tabled a motion after prominent objectors claimed the local council is leaving the financial risk of the 35-year-lease deal entirely in the hands of taxpayers.
The Reject Marischal Square group said they had asked for a copy of the business plan for the office and retail development on Broad Street.
However, when they received the answer to their Freedom of Information request, they claim they were told “there is no business plan at this time”.
Mr Stewart’s motion asks for the parliament to note the concerns of the campaigners and their fears that taxpayers will be “underwriting the risk” of under-occupancy for years to come.
He said: “The campaigners have been dogged in their attempts to seek out information and their recent Freedom of Information request has uncovered that the council has no business plan in place for the scheme.
“In my opinion this situation is somewhat bizarre.
“Many Aberdonians feel that their voices have been ignored on this issue and I believe that it is only right that parliament is given the opportunity to discuss their concerns.”
John Martin of the Reject group welcomed Mr Stewart’s motion.
“We very much appreciate the support of our MSP Kevin Stewart,” he said.
“Our objective is to bring about a ‘moratorium’ upon the building preparatory works, to facilitate a full public enquiry (into the decision) against the public’s desire to have the site developed as a proper Civic Square as opposed to a monstrous glass and concrete development that will entomb our beloved Marischal College and Provost Skene’s House.”
Council finance chief Willie Young rubbished the motion and accused Mr Stewart of “knocking” Aberdeen.
“Kevin Stewart really needs to reflect on why, despite him writing to his own ministers, the Scottish Government declined his request to call in the Marischal Square project,” he said.
“The Scottish Government refused to back Kevin Stewart MSP because like Audit Scotland they know that the council scrutinised the proposals subject to the law of the land as determined by Kevin Stewart MSP and the rest of the Scottish Parliament.
“I can reassure citizens that this Labour led council is embarking on a regeneration programme for Aberdeen that is the envy of every other city within the UK.”