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Chamber confirms support for the City Garden Project winning design

Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce (AGCC) has announced that the City Garden Project winning design which will go to a referendum of City residents in February has its full backing.

Following presentations by the winning architects and the team leading the City Gardens project to the Board and Policy Council of the AGCC, the Board and Policy Council, made up of organisations elected by the 1200 members of the Chamber, have confirmed their support for the City Garden project and for the winning design.

Bob Collier, Chief Executive of AGCC said: “Many members of our Board and Council said that they wished that every resident of Aberdeen who will be voting could have a personal presentation from Charles Renfro of the winning architects, as he communicates so effectively the enormous potential of this project for this city region, and answers so many of the unfounded criticisms and concerns that have been circulating.

“The Chamber will be sending information to members during February, to ensure that all businesses and their workforces are aware of the facts, as well as seeking the views of members during the campaigning period.”

George Yule, President of the Chamber said: “The vast majority of my colleagues on the Board and Council were impressed with the design, and the care that has been taken to produce a garden that the city can be proud of. The City Garden will have twice as much green space as the current gardens; more trees, be more accessible, much of the architectural heritage will be protected, provide improved cultural and recreational facilities, and provide the stimulus for the refreshment and improvement of Union Street. We were re-assured that the Garden will be affordable, deliverable, and an important new asset for the region. ”

The Board and Council heard that the funding of the scheme is low risk, and without the need to repay capital cost which has bedeviled many past projects. Colin Crosby, immediate past President of the Chamber said: “The city will get a new asset at very low risk. Half of the cost is being paid for by private sector donations. The TIF funding model will pay off the remaining costs, without leaving a burden on the City Council, and we, the citizens of Aberdeen, get a new urban garden that will be a jewel at the heart of the city, bringing new life to the city centre.”

Council member John Michie, Chair of Aberdeen City Centre Association said: “The City Garden Project will create 6,500 jobs and bring in an additional £122million to the local economy year on year. For every £1 invested in this project, the city will see a return of £1.32p every year. The City Garden will be the catalyst for the regeneration of Union Street and the surrounding area in a way that piece-meal development or cosmetic improvements simply cannot achieve. The city simply cannot afford to lose this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”

Mr Collier said: “The Chamber and member businesses will not have a vote in the referendum, nor will residents of the Shire, so it is important that we act to ensure that reliable factual information is available to all of the electorate before they cast their vote. We will be researching voting intentions and will make this information available in due course.”

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