A Mini Masterplan to transform the George Street area of Aberdeen is to be drawn up after councillors today welcomed high-level proposals.
The Draft Mini Masterplan sets out a vision for a “vibrant, city centre community at the heart of reinvention” and as a place to form new social, cultural, economic and educational connections.
George Street runs north to south and formed a once historic key connection the city centre. The study area is bounded by the Bon Accord Centre, Gallowgate, Spring Garden and Charlotte Street, but it is anticipated benefits would be felt across the city.
The Mini Masterplan will feed into subsequent annual reviews of the City Centre and Beach Masterplan to ensure this wider strategy for the City Centre and the Beach remains up to date and relevant.
Councillor Dell Henrikson, Aberdeen City Council’s Planning Development Management Convener said: “I am really pleased that we have been able to approve these proposals.
“George Street is recognised as a complex and diverse neighbourhood, and the proposals contained will be carefully managed and delivered alongside the existing requirements of local businesses and residents.
“The aim is to create a greener, more liveable environment that also is more welcoming and accessible for visitors.”
Councillor Desmond Bouse, Vice Convener of Planning Development Management , said: “I really look forward to today’s agreed proposals taking shape and the George Street area being transformed into a welcoming and vibrant city centre community for locals and visitors alike over the coming years.”
The draft was prepared in the context of the continued uncertainly around the future of Norco House (the former John Lewis building, currently on the market) and the Bon Accord Centre (the owners of which are currently in Administration).
An initial four-week consultation in Spring drew nearly 300 responses and a public consultation on the draft will be brought back to Council by December 2023.
Aberdeen City Council’s role in the future regeneration of George Street will be to promoting a vision for change that can stimulate market action and use its powers to help facilitate and co-ordinate change, working with stakeholders and developers.
This draft was prepared by Optimised Environments Ltd on behalf of Aberdeen City Council: George Street - Appendix 1.pdf (aberdeencity.gov.uk