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next step in denburn valley

A steering group of community and business representatives has been formed by ACSEF (Aberdeen City and Shire Economic Future) as the public-private partnership progresses its plans to create a new civic heart for Aberdeen’s city centre.

ACSEF is embarking on an extensive period of public consultation to find out what local residents would like to see included in proposals for the development of Union Terrace Gardens and the Denburn Valley.

The steering group will oversee and direct the key activities which require to be undertaken by the end of the year when a decision will be made on whether to progress the plans to detailed design and ultimately a planning applications.

These activities include comprehensive public engagement and consultation, analysis of funding sources and potential delivery vehicles, assessment of the economic impact of the proposals and studies of the transport issues associated with the project.

Dave Blackwood, ACSEF board member, has been appointed chair of the group. He said: “We aim to carry out the public consultation in November and December and, at the same time, make significant progress on how the project could be funded and delivered as well as quantifying the benefits the project could bring to the wider regional economy and the wider transport issues. The steering group will direct and co-ordinate the findings from this work which will allow us to make an informed decision on whether we progress to the next stage of putting together detailed designs.”

Sir Ian Wood has pledged £50 million of his personal money towards the scheme and a study has already indicated it is technically and financially feasible.

The steering group members are: Tom Smith, ACSEF chairman; Colin Crosby, President of Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce and Chairman of Robert Gordon’s College; Gordon McIntosh, corporate director of enterprise, planning and infrastructure at Aberdeen City Council; Iain Gabriel, transport and infrastructure director, Aberdeenshire Council; Aberdeen City Council leader, John Stewart; Lindsay Gordon, director of Peacock Visual Arts; Paul Robertson, chair of Aberdeen Youth City Council; Lavina Massie, of Aberdeen City Centre Alliance; John Michie, chairman of Aberdeen City Centre Association; Jennifer Craw, representing Sir Ian Wood; Maggie McGinlay, Scottish Enterprise; and Derick Murray, Nestrans.