No Mention of the Election

by Ruth Barker, 10 May 2010

Hello,
I heard today from Peacock Visual Arts, in Aberdeen, who were providing an update on the ongoing Union Terrace Gardens machinations.

For those who don’t know about this (is there anyone left who doesn’t know about this?) ‘The City Square’ is a radical plan to transform Aberdeen city centre by raising Union Terrace Gardens and the Denburn Valley to the surrounding street level, covering over the railway and the dual carriageway. The proposal would create over 5 acres of ground at street level and a further 2.5 acres of all-weather, covered space. You can read all about the City Square Plan here

As it happens, many people have expressed reservations about such a radical building project, with concerns involving the loss of public green space and expansion of commercial and retail space. One of the principle voices in the campaign to rethink the plans has been that of Peacock Visual Arts, who – it turns out – had an existing plan to site a new Centre for Visual Arts on the same site. Peacock’s plan was all going swimmingly, until plans for The City Square were revealed.

The results of a public consultation showed that 55% of participants did not want the City Square proposal. The majority of respondants wanted green space and a contemporary arts centre in any future development on the site. A press release from Peacock at the time stated that:

“Reading carefully through the information released today we are delighted to see that all of the major elements that people want to see – greater accessibility, green space and cultural facilities – can be delivered in Peacock’s existing plans for Union Terrace Gardens.

“At a time of increasing pressure on the public purse Aberdeen can be seen to be leading the way in delivering quality public facilities and value for money by enabling the Peacock plans for Union Terrace Gardens to go ahead. We have a short funding window now until June to get the go-ahead for the new arts centre and we hope that in the light of the results of the public consultation ACSEF, Sir Ian Wood, and Aberdeen City Council will look positively at the Peacock scheme as the first stage of a win-win for Aberdeen.

“However, so far Sir Ian has stated the City Council must decide to proceed with the City Square as it stands or he will withdraw his £50 million.”

Today though, Peacock provided the latest installment of the saga, and appealed again for the help of willing supporters. Maybe you can help them by writing to your local Councillor. I can’t, as I don’t live in Aberdeen. I have signed their petition though.

Here’s what they said:

“Dear all,

“As many of you will know the City Council are due to make a decision on the future of Union Terrace Gardens on May 19th.

“At this meeting they will have to decide whether to give Peacock the green light OR to continue with the development of the City Square project.

“Despite Sir Ian saying that he would withdraw if the Square did not meet with overwhelming support of the public, he has decided to continue with the project and make the City Council decide.

“The majority of people in the public consultation voted against the Square. We really hope that Aberdeen City Council represent the views of their electorate when making their decision.

“We need your help to ensure that they do.

“Every Aberdeen City Councillor will have a vote at this meeting so please do get in touch with yours (you can find them at www.writetothem.com) and urge them to make the right decision on the 19th. Please tell your friends to do the same.

" There is also a petition to support Peacock and the Gardens. Please do forward this link onto everyone you think might want to help support the arts centre and the park.

“As ever, thank you all so much for you kind words and support. You have been truly amazing over this period and all of us here at Peacock are extremely grateful.

Elly and the Peacock Team"

As ever, comments from both sides welcome. There’s lots more information here.

more later,
R.