The “Queen of Shops” Mary Portas has been asked for her expertise to help shape Aberdeen’s masterplan.
Finance convener Willie Young has contacted Ms Portas after she waded into the ongoing Marischal Square row.
The retail expert, famed for her “Secret Shopper” and “Queen of Shops” programmes, wrote on social media that it was “madness” for the £107million development to be built when the Union Street shops were falling into disrepair.
But now Mr Young has written to Ms Portas pointing to the city masterplan and inviting her to give her own ideas.
He said: “We are going to contact Mary to see how she can help us. We are trying to make Aberdeen a better place by providing employment.”
Ms Portas could not be reached for comment.
The move comes after it emerged council chiefs are advertising three jobs linked to the masterplan project – with a combined salary of nearly £200,000.
Members of the council’s finance committee had previously voted to create three paid posts to deliver the masterplan – a city centre director, programme manager and a communication and engagement officer.
Now the jobs have been advertised, with the director to receive £103,031, the manager £45,657 to £52,121 and the communications officer £39,923 to £43,598.
The salaries of the jobs will come from the 2016/2017 budget.
Eben Wilson, of the Taxpayer Scotland pressure group, said the council should scrutinise whether the posts are needed.
He said: “It’s galling that Aberdeen is even thinking of taking on more people. They should come to their senses and find ways to reduce this burden on taxpayers – especially at a time when the oil and gas industry is going through such a downturn.”
But the posts were defended by Mr Young last night, who said the city “needed the best” to deliver the multimillion-pound masterplan project to rejuvenate certain parts of the city.
He said: “This masterplan will bring in hundreds of millions of regeneration into the city.
“It’s important that we get the right people, with the right skills who can do the job.”
He added that the new posts were needed to make sure current council officers weren’t “overburdened” with work associated with the project.