ABERDEEN City Council (ACC) has approved the draft George Street masterplan, though plans have gone “too far” according to council staff.
The new vision for the busy street outlined a new road layout with a zig-zag cycle lane.
But businesses have claimed they haven’t had a say on the vision.
Senior Planner at ACC Nigel McDowell said: “Looking at the transformational projects, it says very clearly that these are ideas for further exploration and engagement.
“And maybe we went too far in terms of the level of detail on some of those.
“But I am happy to explain the concept of where we’re coming from.
“Ultimately, if we look at before and after, it’s very easy to see the positive benefits to these areas.”
The masterplan highlights six major projects:
- Improving and modernising the street
- Creating ‘Norco Place’, a mini-park outside the former John Lewis building
- Reimagining the Bon Accord Centre
- Making more of the area surrounding Nescol
- Improving lighting
- Exploring which areas could be redeveloped for homebuilding
Is the money there?
That was the question asked by Aberdeen Labour leader M Tauqeer Malik.
The local authority are already facing £35million of cuts, a decision they’re asking the public to help shape.
“We have seen plenty of SNP proposals consigned to shelves in the past, after getting agreed at council,” said Mr Mailk.
“All lovely coloured pictures, currently sitting in one of the libraries not yet closed by the SNP.
“We believe the SNP are once again giving the people of Aberdeen false hope.”
