Issue - meetings

(i)       note the progress that has been made to date; and

(ii)      instruct the Interim Chief Officer - City Development and Regeneration to provide a Service Update on progress should any new information become known, or where any decision be required, bring a report to a future Finance and Resource Committee meeting.

With reference to article 4 of the minute of meeting of the Council on 8 February 2024, the Committee had before it a report by the Director of City regeneration and Environment which provided an update on developments relating to the Marks and Spencer’s building on St Nicholas Street, Aberdeen following the announcement that it would close in 2025.

The report recommended:-

that the Committee –

(a)      note the progress that has been made to date; and

(b)      instruct the Interim Chief Officer - City Development and Regeneration to provide a Service Update on progress should any new information become known, or where any decision be required, bring a report to a future Finance and Resource Committee meeting.

The Convener, seconded by the Vice Convener, moved:-

that the Committee approve the recommendations contained within the report.

Councillor Malik, seconded by Councillor Watson, moved as an amendment:-

that the Committee –

(1)    note the content of the report;

(2)    agree the decision by RBS to close its St Nicholas branch is another blow to Union Street;

(3)    agree that the previous administration's investment of £150m to support regeneration within the City Centre Masterplan including an Aberdeen Market was the right thing to do to help stimulate the City Centre;

(4)    agree that pedestrianisation is required if Union Street is to fully benefit from this huge investment; and

(5)    agree the Council as an adjoining landowner should be advised of progress with the sale and for this reason instruct the Chief Officer – Corporate Landlord to note a formal interest in the properties, and undertake a high-level option appraisal on potential uses for the site be reported to the next committee. The cost of this being met from General Fund contingencies.

On a division, there voted:- for the motion (5) – the Convener, the Vice Convener and Councillors Allard, Cooke and Greig; for the amendment (4) -  Councillors Brooks, Farquhar, Malik and Watson.

The Committee resolved:-

to adopt the motion.