Torry’s skyline will soon be turned “funky” after plans were approved to light up three tower blocks in the area.
Councillors on the communities, housing and infrastructure committee agreed to move forward with the plan to brighten up the flats in Balnagask.
The installation will be part of ongoing regeneration efforts in Torry with the tower blocks to be bathed in lighting that can be changed to suit any occasion.
The scheme will be similar to a project in the Castlemilk area of Glasgow which resulted in its designers, Northern Light and Collective Architecture, becoming finalists in the nation-wide 2010 Lighting Design Awards.
Councillor Yvonne Allan, ward member for Torry and Ferryhill, said: “We’re bringing funky to Torry.
“It’s going to be installed at the three multi-story skyscrapers to brighten up the area, and make the neighborhood that bit more pleasant, and give people a bit of a smile.
“It’s more than just bog standard lighting, it’s going to help make it a more people-friendly atmosphere in the area for residents.”
Communal lighting inside the blocks will also be replaced with energy-saving bulbs and solar panels will be fitted on the roof to help cover the estimated £150,000 installation fee for the project.
Although the decision to move forward with the designs was unanimous, councillors at the committee raised the issue of private ownership within the complexes.
Of the 156 flats earmarked to be involved in the scheme, eight have been sold under Right-to-Buy legislation, meaning that if the flat owners refuse to take part the display may be incomplete.
Mrs Allan continued: “We have already informed the people who own their homes in the skyscrapers to see how they feel about it, but I would hope they would be supportive because it is for the good of the community.”
After the owners of the private flats have been consulted, the proposals will again come under scrutiny at a future council meeting.