Analysis: Success of our gardens project will brighten northern lights

OUR association was established in 1982 and one of our three key aims has been the rejuvenation of our city centre, focusing on Union Terrace Gardens.

This decision to support the city garden project sends a message that Aberdeen is open for business. I think that, regardless of when we start the development, the message that has gone out will attract investment by established firms and see major retailers accelerate their development programme.

This decision is truly transformational. The entire city will begin to benefit, and I believe that the tax incremental finance exercise, about which there has been a lot of confusion, is an enormously attractive proposition.

It is absolutely imperative that we all get behind this, not just for the benefit of Aberdeen but for the benefit of the whole area.

The problem about Union Street is that we have lost the buzz in the city centre. It is all about footfall and critical mass. One of the great attractions about the city garden development is that it will refocus the city centre and will encourage people to stay on after work.

The three economies we have – the daytime, evening and night-time – are all currently working independently of each other. Union Terrace Gardens will form a stage upon which all these different players can actually play a role and become a lot more integrated.

If the vote had gone the other way it would have been a very disappointing outcome. In the eyes of the rest of the world there would be big, big questions about why a community which is so advantaged at present and enjoys such a buoyant economy – as we are with North Sea oil – did not see fit to invest in its future. The potential of this project is as great as one’s imagination.

We wish to thank everyone who took part in this referendum. It was another first for Aberdeen in the combination of voting options and its success bodes well for a much greater public participation in exercising its democratic right to vote.

Aberdeen City Centre Association is delighted with the outcome and believes that the city garden and wider regeneration will bring back the necessary footfall and buzz into the city, which will kickstart the refurbishment of many of the tired and lacklustre sectors, including Union Street.

The decision will be interpreted by the rest of the world – despite all the recent negativity – as Aberdeen is again open for business, in every sense of the word.

• John Michie is chairman of Aberdeen City Centre Association