Colin Crosby

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Genius Loci - Granite City Future

Colin Crosby - President, AGCC

Many years ago I was a very young chair of the then fledging Grampian Housing Association.  I look back and ask myself why I was involved in my mid-twenties in the provision of social housing.  I think my answer then and indeed is now that I strongly believed that good housing ensured a good environment and importantly created the wherewithal for citizens to have pride.

The North east over the centuries has many examples of quietly determined people achieving significant strides forward.   Over the centuries we have been a hugely successful area.  The lists of ‘greats’ is long – education, ship building, papermaking, engineering, textiles, finance, agriculture, fishing to name but a few.  The current dominant great is oil and gas and I am confident there will be a future great.  All the industries have been successful because of excellence at some critical point in their history.  That excellence has in many cases led to global reach and recognition.  The University of Aberdeen is globally recognised and supported many other institutions such as the Hong Kong medical school. Our “clippers” regularly set record times sailing from these shores to Australia and back.  Crombie Cloth is world renowned.  Aberdeen Asset Management is globally recognised as indeed is the Wood Group.  I am quietly proud of all those achievements whether they are historical or current.  I love those success stories and there will be similar stories of future successes.  The success is carried with dignity and confidence without being overbearing.

Over many years I have come to realise that as a region we are pretty good and pretty good at not showing it.

What then of our City Centre.  Do I have the same feeling of excellence and quiet confidence.  Do I have pride in showcasing it.  Does it pulse with ambition.  Is it exhibit number one in demonstrating the abilities of the City and the region.  No it doesn’t and no it isn’t.

There are beginnings.  RGU at Garthdee, the new library at Aberdeen University.  The Harbour Board Marine Operation Centre and the now renovated Marischal College.  Our civic ambition has for too long been too low. Moreover where is the ‘wow’ factor that has locals lingering in town because it is just a fabulous place to be?     Where are the tourists taking photographs and telling their friends that Aberdeen City is a must see place.  Why aren’t retailers outbidding each other because retail demand is so great.  Where is the City’s global recognition like Boston, Brugge and Sydney.

Wouldn’t it be great to have a walking City served well by public transport where young and old alike were able to enjoy simply being there.  Where there was culture, music, fun and occasionally sport. A whole area which reflected the confidence and excellence which is so prevalent   in so many other things we do.  A place full of diversity.  A place full of heritage old and new boldness and discretion.  A place where businesses, retailers and importantly, people thrive.

Going back to my housing theme I wanted citizens to be proud of their homes.  Citizens who are delighted to have guests in their homes.

On a City scale what an ambition to have a City Centre where all citizens have pride and take delight in showing the City Centre to friends and strangers. Vitally where both friends and strangers alike want to return and bring others.

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