Aberdeen City Council is aiming high as it strives to secure a new lease of life for John Lewis's former George Street department store.

Norco House was emptied last summer, and has been used by NHS Grampian as a vaccination centre since then.

And the Press and Journal says there are lofty ambitions to repurpose the site.

Natural History Museum

Inspired by attractions such as the Eden Project coming to neighbouring Dundee, councillors are eager to make the most of the city centre landmark.

During a session on the future of Aberdeen on Monday, they voted to instruct officers to leave no stone unturned in their search for a new occupier - no matter how ambitious the idea may seem.

Lower Deeside councillor Marie Boulton introduced calls for officers to approach, among others, the Natural History Museum in London about the cavernous space.

For sale

The building is currently being marketed for sale.

Commercial agent Savills has been instructed to find a buyer on behalf of the John Lewis Partnership (JLP), which despite a well-supported campaign to save it, closed the George Street store last August.

No price has been placed on the building and 1.41acre site, with Savills instead inviting offers for the "unique" retail or development opportunity.

Click here to read more about the sale.

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