Objectors to the £107million Marischal Square project in the heart of Aberdeen have said they hope the city council “learn lessons” from the controversial development following the City Region Deal announcement this week.
The Reject Marischal Square campaign has opposed the Broad Street building since plans were unveiled in 2013 with particular scrutiny on the financial aspects of the deal, which they believed could leave taxpayers “on the hook”.
The council sold the former St Nicholas House site to Aviva investors for £10million. It will lease Marischal Square for £5million per year for 35 years when it is completed in 2017. It can then buy the site back for £1.
The City Region Deal could potentially unlock more than £1billion of funding for a variety of infrastructure projects.
Lorna McHattie, who has opposed the Marischal development, said: “After years of underfunding by both the UK and Scottish Governments, (the deal) is the least they can do to help the city with projects to improve transport and infrastructure.
“We commend the City and Shire councils for successfully landing the City Deal funding.
“Community groups must play an active part in ensuring that the money is spent on projects which are welcomed by locals, as well as visitors.
“We must learn the lessons from Marischal Square: the council must respond to public comment and be able to provide documentary due diligence such as market reports and investment evaluations before planning approval is given.”
However, a senior councillor said last night that community engagement had always been a key priority for the authority, and would remain so in the future.
Finance convener Willie Young said: “I’m confident local government and Sir Ian Wood will take into account all the concerns that every citizen will have in terms of what we are doing with the city deal.
“Community engagement has always been one of our priorities and Marischal Square campaigners and everyone else have had ample opportunities to feed in their concerns.”