Union Terrace Gardens project and new schools at the heart of 2019/20 capital programme
05 March 2019
Funding for a range of high-profile projects has been approved as Aberdeen City Council agreed the 2019/20 General Fund Capital Programme budget.
Elected members approved the spending priorities during a meeting of the full Council in the Town House chamber today (March 5).
The General Fund Capital Programme budget delivers infrastructure projects across the city, from cultural buildings through to school and community provision as well as roads and digital infrastructure.
The £182million investment includes the completion of the landmark development of The Event Complex Aberdeen and refurbishment of Aberdeen Art Gallery as well as City Centre Masterplan projects including the renovation of Provost Skene’s House and community facilities including the Tillydrone Community Campus.
The reinvention of Union Terrace Gardens will also move forward after funding was committed in the capital programme and the programme of new school construction will continue with new buildings at Torry, Tillydrone, Countesswells and Milltimber.
Aberdeen City Council Co-Leader Douglas Lumsden said: “Through the Council’s capital programme we are transforming the built environment of the city but also the regional economy through the investment being made in facilities such as TECA, Aberdeen Art Gallery and Union Terrace Gardens. All three will be the envy of cities not just in Scotland and Britain but across the world.
“These are crucial to our aims of diversifying the economy, with tourism a vital component. World class attractions will help bring international visitors from far and wide to the city and lead to significant economic advantages.”
Co-Leader Jenny Laing said: “The capital programme is designed to foster inclusive economic growth and the city can be proud of the incredible progress that is being made, with significant projects very visible throughout Aberdeen.
“The capital investment is also delivering important community benefits through the extensive school building programme we are continuing on. Following the opening of Orchard Brae, Stoneywood School and Lochside Academy we are moving forward with £100m plans for four new complexes as we commit to prioritising the next generation and giving young people the best possible start in life.”
Further information on the 2019/20 capital programme, including the full general fund revenue and capital report considered by Council, can be found at https://bit.ly/2EnaZ1O . Decisions from today’s meeting will also be posted in this section of the website.