Nearly 900 people have had their say on proposals to showcase Aberdeen’s landmarks, civic spaces and streetscape using creative lighting.
Residents were asked to choose their favourite lighting treatments for six different themes.
The most popular choices for were: Illuminating iconic architecture (Unique Aberdeen theme); Engaging public spaces at night (A Welcoming Destination); Surprising lighting features (A New City Experience); Illuminating bridges (Waterfront Connections); Activating laneways (Night Time Economy); and Seasonal responsive lighting (Leadership in Technology and Sustainability).
Respondents could pick up to three lighting styles from a choice of six for each theme. The full results will be considered when drafting the strategy.
School pupils also shared their views on proposals, with youngsters at the city's Middleton Park Primary, St Joseph’s Primary, Skene Square Primary and Harlaw Academy taking part in the survey.
Award-winning consultancy Steensen Varming has been appointed to develop the strategy. The firm has designed lighting for several World Heritage Sites, including Sydney Opera House.
Feedback from the ten-day survey, which drew 895 responses, will be used to help draw up the strategy and an implementation plan. A report will go to Councillors for consideration early next year.
Councillor Marie Boulton, Aberdeen City Council’s lead on the City Centre, said: “It’s wonderful that so many people made the effort to complete the survey for this Masterplan project.
“Knowing the kind of lighting treatment residents and businesses would like to see will help inform the work being taken forward by Steensen Varming.
“The level of enthusiasm for this project, and the high number of positive responses, suggests people are passionate about making the most of Aberdeen’s stunning streetscape – whatever the time of day or year.”
Mirjam Roos, project leader for Steensen Varming, said: “The stakeholder engagement workshops showed how lighting can generate debate, discussion and excitement.
“The various stakeholders and participants were very engaged in the process and motivated to create an Aberdeen night-time environment that is more attractive, welcoming and safe.”
The project is being brought forward by Aberdeen City Council and leading North-east business organisation Aberdeen Inspired, the banner under which the Business Improvement District operates.
Adrian Watson, chief executive of Aberdeen Inspired, said: “Our city centre businesses were excited by the inventive proposals highlighted in this survey. These innovative ideas could assist in developing a strategy to showcase our wonderful city centre in its best light."