Hundreds of people turned out yesterday to get their first glimpse of the multi-million pound to expand an Aberdeen Shopping Centre.
Union Square is in line for a £200million expansion, with mall managers Hammerston submitting a proposal of application notice to the council earlier this month.
Developers have set out two proposed themes for the expansion, one called “The Granite City and its Harbour” and the other
“Aberdeen’s Maritime Heritage”.
Under the first, the extension would incorporate granite with portholes while the second emulates the design of the sweep of a boat’s hull, and will come in harbour-inspired colours.
It is planned that 30 big new retail names will be drawn to Aberdeen as a result of the extension.
About 300 people came along to view the plans – which were laid out on boards just inside the main entrance of the centre – and speak to representatives from Hammerston, who were on hand to answer any questions.
Shoppers also filled in feedback forms, which will be taken into consideration before the developer lodges a full planning application, possibly as soon as November.
Centre bosses yesterday said they were pleased with the response they had received so far.
General manager Ryan Manson said: “I think it would be fair to say we are really pleased with the reaction we have had from our customers and we look forward to reviewing the feedback.
“There’s a feeling of positivity and confidence that comes with a development of this scale and ambition.
“I think people will welcome an extension to Union Square, the centre has already attracted retailers who otherwise might not have come to Aberdeen and this extension allows us the opportunity to bring even more.”
The Guild Street centre, which opened in 2009 at a cost of £275million, houses 50 shops and attracts 16 million visits each year.
The 300,000 sq ft extension is proposed on the site of the current surface car park, with a replacement multi-storey car park to be built.
The public exhibition will run again today, from 8am-8pm.
