Union Terrace Gardens project reaches important new milestone

16 March 2017

Plans for the redevelopment of Union Terrace Gardens have taken a significant step forward with approval of the outline design.

The ambitious Aberdeen City Council scheme, an integral part of the City Centre Masterplan, aims to transform the space whilst remaining sympathetic to the heritage of the key site.

Yesterday (15 March) members of the full Council voted in favour of approving the outline design prepared by LDA Design following public consultation in 2016.

The blueprint incorporates preserved and enhanced green space, new and improved facilities, the restoration and promotion of features celebrating the heritage of the gardens, creation of events spaces as well as vastly improved accessibility and safety.

In addition to supporting the design, councillors also voted to give their backing to the business case for the project and approval for the estimated capital costs. That figure, which was discussed in private due to commercial considerations, will be met from the City Centre Masterplan budget. The procurement strategy and delivery programme were amongst the elements also agreed by elected members today.

A detailed planning application for the scheme, and associated listed building application, is due to be submitted by the end of April and construction scheduled to begin this autumn. Completion is expected in the summer of 2019.

The redevelopment of Union Terrace Gardens is one of 50 City Centre Masterplan Projects designed to reinvigorate Aberdeen over a 25-year period. The Masterplan incorporates a comprehensive programme with a focus on infrastructure, the economy, environment and community initiatives.