Councillors reject Aberdeen's Tax Incremental Finance proposals

Councillors at Aberdeen City Council voted against the proposals to fund the regeneration of the Gardens using TIF, despite local residents backing the scheme at a referendum held earlier in the year.

The Union Terrace Gardens plan was rejected at a meeting of the full council last week by 22 votes against the plans and 20 votes in support of the plans. 

Despite rejecting proposals for the scheme, the Councillors agreed that planning officers should consult with the Scottish Futures Trust (SFT), which advises the Scottish Government on TIF schemes, to discover whether a revised submission including the above scheme would be acceptable. Any new proposal would exclude the City Garden Project, the Council said.

Amended plans for a TIF scheme include the proposed refurbishment of Aberdeen Art Gallery, the redevelopment of the City Council's former St Nicholas House headquarters and the Upper Denburn area, and investment into 'City Circle' plans to make the city centre better connected for pedestrians.

Proposals to explore other funding sources were suggested in a motion tabled by Deputy Council Leader Marie Boulton. "Council Officers should explore other funding sources to finance the package of schemes if the SFT judged that a revised TIF submission without the CGP project was unacceptable," said Boulton.

"This new approach to city regeneration will concentrate on protecting our outstanding architecture and heritage, while at the same time delivering substantial improvements to our existing cultural venues," said Boulton. "By spreading investment across several exciting projects, including Union Terrace Gardens, we can really put a shine on the Granite City and make a powerful bid to become UK City of Culture."

"Aberdeen has been split down the middle for so long over the City Garden Project. This is a chance to heal the wounds and to come together for the good of the city," said Boulton.

Under plans to draw up a revised TIF scheme, the Council proposed the inclusion of the Mither Kirk restoration project, refurbishment of the Music Hall and Aberdeen Arts Centre, redevelopment of the Lemon Tree, regeneration of Union Street, and the improved access and better facilities at Union Terrace Gardens.