Art college chief backs City Garden project

THE head of one of Scotland’s leading art colleges yesterday claimed that plans for the controversial transformation of Union Terrace Gardens have the potential to finally make Aberdeen a “cool and cultural” city.

Professor Paul Harris, head of Gray’s School of Art, voiced his support for the £140 million “City Garden” project as the public exhibition of the six shortlisted designs ended its two-week run.

The professor, who leads a project sub-group, representing culture, the arts and the creative sector, said: “The City Garden project can not only transform the city centre’s look, feel and reputation but also act as a focal point for making our culture and creativity more concerted and more visible. It can be a spectacular place in which to perform and showcase a range of arts and cultural displays and projects.

“The young people I spoke to want to see Aberdeen buzzing. They want it to be cool and contemporary. They want things to do and see which inspire them, but which don’t cost too much and they want a place where it can all happen.”