An update on additional maintenance work and next steps for the Piper Alpha Memorial and the North Sea Memorial Rose Gardens at Hazlehead Park ahead of the 35th anniversary of the disaster was today agreed by Councillors.
The Communities, Housing and Public Protection Committee heard that Environmental Services team continue to work alongside the Pound for Piper Memorial Trust, who has allocated funding towards the gardens for 2023.
This funding will allow for the park’s team to undertake additional maintenance work, including replacement of roses and improving the garden’s entrance area, ahead of the 35-anniversary service on 6th July 2023.
A public consultation will also be held later this year to look at the options for the future and long-term sustainability of the memorial and gardens.
Convener Councillor Miranda Radley said: “The Piper Alpha Memorial and North Sea Memorial Rose Garden is a lasting symbol of the strength of the people of Aberdeen and all those affected by the disaster.
“As we approach the 35th anniversary, we welcome this update on all work and improvements that have been made on the Piper Alpha Memorial and gardens.
Vice-convener Councillor Ciaran McRae said: “The memorial and gardens is of huge significance to everyone affected by the Piper Alpha disaster and it is important that the gardens remain maintained to a high standard and that we consult with survivors and families of those who lost their lives in the next steps.”
Discussions are currently ongoing to decide the next steps and agree a way forward for the gardens.
The memorial sculpture contains the names of all 167 men who died alongside their ages engraved on the pink granite plinth and was erected on 6 July 1991 on the third anniversary of the disaster.
Pound for Piper was set up in 2012 to ensure that the Piper Alpha Memorial and the gardens are cared for and maintained to a high standard.