Union Terrace Ideas Flood In As Consultation Visits Union Square

Suggestions of everything from a science centre and a venue for a curling bonspiel to the inclusion of a city heritage centre are among the public’s many ideas for Union Terrace Gardens.

The aspirational thoughts have come in from the several thousand members of the public who have had their say so far on ACSEF’s plans to create a civic space in the heart of the city centre.

Many more opinions and ideas on The City Square Project will be sought this weekend as the consultation heads for Union Square, where the consultation’s latest exhibition will illustrate and explain the organisation’s vision.

The exhibition at Union Square is the latest in a series of seven exhibitions being held in Aberdeen City and Shire as part of a major public consultation. This weekend’s exhibition will run from 8.30am to 6pm on Friday and Saturday (January 29 and 30).

Other feedback on the concept to date has included requests for plenty green surroundings, space for live music, a Speaker’s Corner, a memento of Aberdeen’s commercial history, the introduction of underground linkages to Union Square and an effective blending of traditional surroundings with modern design.

“It is fantastic that so many people have engaged in the feedback process already,” commented Dave Blackwood, Board Member of ACSEF. “It is essential that this consultation obtains a true picture of the wishes of the people of Aberdeen city and shire. We thank those who have already got involved but I would encourage anyone who hasn’t yet done so to get in touch. This is a great opportunity for people to get out and have their say – the real tragedy in this process would be if people don’t speak up.”

At the exhibition leaflets about the consultation will be distributed, a presentation will be shown and the consultation team will be available to answer questions and hear people’s views.

The City Square Project public consultation commenced on 11 January and runs until 5 March 2010 and is designed to engage with as many people in the region as possible. As well as the exhibitions, detailed focus groups have also been hearing from various cross sections of the population including community groups, business representatives, young people and arts organisations.

At the exhibitions people are encouraged to complete a feedback form about the plan. This form is also available online at www.thecitysquareproject.com. Feedback can also be given by email, social networking sites, a freephone number or text messaging service and opinion polls are being conducted.

A consultation report, which will be made public, will be produced once all feedback has been analysed. For the City Square Project to be taken forward to reality and detailed plans for the space prepared there needs to be a groundswell of support.

Exhibitions will also take place at the following venues:

• Inverurie Town Hall, Monday 1 February 9am – 5pm

• Aberdeen University Students’ Association , The Hub, Tuesday 2 February 9am-5pm

• Robert Gordon University, Business School, Wednesday 10 February 9am-7pm

• Bon Accord Centre, Friday 12 February 9am- 5.30pm and Saturday 13 February 9am- 6pm

• Peterhead Leisure and Community Centre Saturday 27 February 9am – 5pm

There is a host of other ways to give feedback about The City Square Project. These include:

Website: www.thecitysquareproject.com

Freephone: 0800 111 4881

Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Text: 60777 starting messages with the word ‘Square’

Twitter: @thecitysquare

Facebook: www.facebook.com/citysquareproject