As the Aberdeen city region marks a big day in terms of determining its future ambitions through the city centre masterplan , Chamber chief executive Russell Borthwick shares his thoughts:
"City centres have been hit hard by the restrictions put in place by governments to manage the CV19 pandemic. There is a real risk that decisions being taken now and any related changes of policy direction could see the places that should be the beating heart of our communities become urban deserts of the future. They are finely balanced eco-systems of retail, culture, hospitality, residential and offices with people at their heart. If any of these are out of balance, then the others are likely to fail.
"Specifically, the position being taken by Scottish Government in discouraging office return is unacceptable and is precluding the return of footfall and commerce to the raft of businesses that exist to serve these workers. To be clear, it is not the responsibility of government to intervene in the ‘contract’ between employers and their employees.
"Even before the crippling impact of CV19, UK high streets and town centres were already being hit hard by the perfect storm of out-of-town retailing and workplaces, the rise in online shopping and other changes in consumer behaviour.
"For these reasons, the latest phase of the Aberdeen City Centre Masterplan is vital to regaining the ground lost over the last year and a half.
"Successful places have been countering these trends with successful strategies to create exciting, cool, attractive multifunctional places that people choose to live, work and spend their leisure time. Adopting this approach, phase one of the Aberdeen city centre masterplan has delivered strongly against these objectives resulting in a number of hugely exciting additions to our public realm.
"The Marischal Square development has transformed our civic square and attracted blue chip companies to locate their offices in the heart of the city. The £34m refurbishment of Aberdeen Art Gallery has resulted in it being named Museum of the Year. The £28m project to bring Union Terrace Gardens back to life and the reopening of Provost Skene’s House as a museum to famous Aberdeen folk are just months away from completion. And our world class events strategy will see the region showcased far and wide as some of the world’s top cyclists cross the finish line of the Tour of Britain on Aberdeen beach Esplanade in just a couple of weeks’ time.
"But this was just the start. Now it’s time for the next set of projects. We need the people of the region to get behind these plans. If ever there is a time to shed our in-built aversion to change, it’s now. On the back of a global emergency, if we don’t make progress quickly, we will be left behind in the race to recover. Pace of decision-making and action is vital, specifically cutting through planning red tape.
"The 8,500 responses to the consultation were broadly supportive and the plans will generate civic pride and confidence at a time when this has been at a low ebb. If we don’t talk ourselves up, no one else will do it for us.
"The international market development will be at the vanguard of the initiatives. It will provide an opportunity for independent retailers to fill the void being left by the majors, supporting jobs in our food, drink and agriculture sector. It will provide a focal point to generate footfall in our city and support moving around the city more easily. As long as business rates and other conditions support this ambition.
"The options outlined for developing the beach are as exciting as they are overdue. Many people have rediscovered this regional gem over the last couple of years but parts of it are somewhat down at heel. Retaining Aberdeen FC’s stadium in the city as part of a community sports hub will be a brilliant anchor for the other changes. And the Chamber’s Vanguard teams continue to play their part, including uncovering the possibility of a cable car connecting the beach with the city centre.
"As well as adding to the incredible quality of life enjoyed by our residents, making progress with the Masterplan will enable us to retain and attract the skilled people we need here to drive the UK’s journey to net zero through energy transition as well as underpinning the strategy of Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire being a £1bn regional tourism economy within a few years.
"For these and the other schemes currently in train, Aberdeen City Council is to be highly commended for its foresight and investment. In turn, this will act as the catalyst for private sector investors to support the range of ambitious projects within the second phase of the masterplan."