Aberdeen shopping centre plans lodged

Aberdeen Shopping Centre Limited, owners of the Bon Accord and St Nicholas Shopping Centres, has submitted plans to expand the Bon Accord Centre in Aberdeen. Under the plans, the Crooked Lane, Loch Street and the George Street entrance to the centre will be renovated. Discussions are also underway with Scottish Futures Trust about employing a funding package such as a growth accelerator model or tax incremental financing for city centre investment and development. Joanne Wilkes, head of in town retail, BMO Real Estate Partners, said: “The plans have the overarching benefit of conforming with the recently adopted local development plan and the vision of the city centre masterplan, and have the potential to make a significant contribution to the retail and floorspace growth identified within the council’s retail capacity studies. “Alongside new and exciting potential retail uses, the application allows for a mix of other possible uses, which combine to deliver exactly the kind of city centre-first retail investment, which has been identified as paramount within local and national planning policy. “While the application is focused on the George Street area, along with the proposals for a new leisure hub development and pedestrian enhancements at Upperkirkgate/Schoolhill, we are committed to continue discussions with the council and other agencies to explore further options for enhancements and retail floorspace growth in the future.” To send feedback, e-mail Shekha.Vyas@egi.co.uk or tweet @shekhaV or @estatesgazette