Aberdeen council leader shares his personal views on civic square

ABERDEEN City Council’s leader has admitted that proposals for a civic square have “enormous potential”.

But John Stewart said he wasn’t sure if it would be good or bad for Aberdeen.

Cllr Stewart also warned an existing plan for an art centre in Union Terrace Gardens would “not transform” Aberdeen.

Cllr Stewart was asked to share his personal views at the Evening Express’ Your City, Your Future debate, which gave members of the Aberdeen public the chance to quiz the four main party leaders of Aberdeen City Council.

The audience wanted to know if Cllr Stewart backed Sir Ian Wood’s vision of a £140 million City Square above Union Terrace Gardens. Peacock Visual Arts already has permission for a new £13m base in the Aberdeen gardens but has a funding shortfall of £3.7m.

Cllr Stewart said: “There is no doubt that the Peacock scheme would enhance Union Terrace Gardens.

“But it's also clear that as a scheme it will not transform the city – and I'm quite clear it needs transforming.”

The Lib Dem leader said of the City Square: “A scheme of that scale would certainly transform the city, but the question is would it be the right transformation and how will it be funded?

“It could be hugely positive but from a personal point of view there is huge conflict in my mind.

“It has enormous potential if the scheme is done right. If it is done badly it could destroy the city centre.

“It’s about creating an attractive, pleasant environment.”

dewen@ajl.co.uk