Agenda and minutes

The Forum had before it the procedure note and guidance for members on the operation of Forum meetings.

The Forum resolved:-

to note the procedure note and guidance for members.

The Forum had before it the minute of its previous meeting of 18 August, 2016 for approval.

The Forum resolved:-

to approve the minute as a correct record.

The Forum had before it a report by the Interim Head of Planning and Sustainable Development on a submission of a Proposal of Application Notice (PoAN) by  GVA on behalf of their client, BMO Real Estate Partner, for a proposed major development which would be a mixed use comprising Class 1 (shops), class 2 (Professional services), Class 3 (Food and drink), Class 4 (Business), Class 7 (Hotels), Class 11 (Leisure), flats, serviced apartments, car parking, services and all ancillary development, at the Bon Accord Centre Aberdeen.

The report advised that this was a proposed extension to the Bon Accord Shopping Centre to provide additional floor space and could potentially include retail, professional services, food and drink, business use, hotel/service apartments, leisure, flats and student accommodation.  Car parking is also included in the description.  It was noted that the site incorporates a relatively large area in order to allow for potential public realm works.  The report also explained that the proposed application did not detail any location, scale/form/height/massing or design/external finishes matter or the level of car parking proposed for any of the proposals, rather is simply shows the extent of the site.

The Forum heard from Joanne Wilkes (BMO Real Estate Partner, owner of the Bon Accord Centre), Richard Slipper (GVA Planning Consultants), David Hannah (CDA Architects) and Alan DeVenny (Transport Consultant JMP).  They outlined the proposal in detail and responded to questions from members.  Mr Slipper explained that the project was about collaborative working and engaging with the City Centre Masterplan (CCM), with one of the proposals contained within the CCM to extend the Bon Accord Centre.  Mr Hannah outlined that the previous public consultation held in July had been very well attended with the second one taking place from 4pm on 27 October.  It was hoped that the final planning application would be submitted early 2017.  Mr Hannah went on to explain that they had looked at four key headings and also looked at three development opportunity sites.  (1)  East George Street; (2) West George Street and (3) North Crooked Lane.  Regarding the first site, Mr Hannah outlined that they aimed to improve the public space and at site two on West George Street, they aimed to create areas of public realm.  With the third site Mr Hannah advised that there was the potential for making this area shop units and could be seen as a landmark building.  It was also noted that BMO Real Estate had recently purchased Crooked Lane to realign the street for the customers of the Harriet Street car park. Overhead coverage on George Street for customers from the Bon Accord Centre was also discussed.  Questions were raised regarding seagulls and Mr Hannah advised that this was being taken into consideration with any improvements to the Centre.

Mr Slipper then explained that a solution regarding connectivity between St Nicholas Centre and Bon Accord Centre had been drawn up by Mr Alan DeVenny, Transport Consultant which meant that pedestrians would take priority for  ...  view the full minutes text for item 3.