Annie Lennox slams plans for Aberdeen civic square
Business boss hits out over Union Terrace Gardens scheme
By David Ewen chief reporter
Published: 09/02/2010
A PROPOSAL to give Aberdeen a new heart has been savaged in separate attacks by singer Annie Lennox and a business leader.
Ms Lennox and Balmoral Group boss Jim Milne slated plans to create a civic square above Union Terrace Gardens in Aberdeen.
Mr Milne claimed the business community felt “pressurised” into supporting the vision, put forward by fellow energy tycoon Sir Ian Wood.
However, the allegation was rejected as “nonsense” by the team leading the project – which also said it was a mistake to suggest Aberdeen would lose its greenery.
Ms Lennox, 55, said she feared the Aberdeen gardens would be replaced by “concrete”.
She said: “Aberdeen was my home town. I was born there and lived in the city until I was 17.
“For me, Union Terrace Gardens was, and still is, the green, historical heart of the city.”
Mr Milne stressed he didn’t want to appear “anti-Ian” but said: “I personally know many individuals, especially within the business sector, feel pressurised into supporting the project by their peers.”
Sir Ian has offered £50 million towards the £140m project to raise Aberdeen’s Victorian park to street level.
It would cover over the gardens, railway line and Denburn dual-carriageway.
The scheme – which is out for public consultation – is being led by development body Aberdeen City and Shire Economic Future.
Chairman Tom Smith said Ms Lennox appeared to have made her comments based on a “wholly inaccurate description” of the project, which would have as much room for greenery as the gardens.
Peacock Visual Arts, has planning permission for a £13m contemporary arts centre to be built in the gardens.
dewen@ajl.co.uk