City Centre Masterplan Reference Group agreed

19 August 2015

Representatives of the north-east business community, the third sector, further education institutions and community groups will all take a seat on a reference group overseeing the delivery of the Aberdeen City Centre Masterplan.

Councillors unanimously agreed to establish the group at a meeting of full council on Wednesday.

The City Centre Masterplan Reference Group is will play an important role in the progression of the masterplan, which will provide a framework for the future development of the heart of the city for the next 25 years.

Councillors today agreed the terms of reference for the group, which it is hoped will continue the process of open engagement and discussion which was a feature of the development of the plan.

The group will be chaired by Depute Council Leader Councillor Marie Boulton and will be tasked with monitoring and reporting on the delivery of the plan.

The vice-chair of the group will be chosen by members and will be a non-Aberdeen City Council representative.

Membership of the group will include the five political group leaders on Aberdeen City Council and the Convener of Finance, Policy and Resources.

There will be two representatives from Aberdeen Civic Forum, one from Aberdeen Inspired, one from Aberdeen and Grampian Chamber of Commerce, one from Aberdeen Council of Voluntary Organisations and one representing Aberdeen's universities and colleges.

In an amendment to the original recommendation agreed today, a representative will also be added from the Aberdeen Community Council Forum and from Aberdeen City and Shire Economic Future.

Councillor Boulton said: "I am pleased that, once again, there was unanimous approval for another important step in the City Centre Masterplan process.

"I think it is important to ensure that there are voices from across the spectrum in Aberdeen, from business groups, voluntary organisations and community groups.

"We want to make sure that everybody has a say in this vital piece of work that will shape our city centre for decades to come."