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 2 November 2017 for approval. 

The Forum resolved:-

to approve the minute as a correct record.

Planning Officer:  Matthew Easton

The Forum had before it a report by the Chief Officer – Strategic Place Planning, on a submission of a Proposal of Application Notice (PoAN) by Montagu Evans on behalf of their client, PATRIZIA, for a proposed major development consisting of demolition and redevelopment of the existing site to form a mixed use office-led development with Class 1 (retail), Class 2 (Financial, Professional and other services), Class 3 (Food and Drink), public house and Class 11 (Assembly and Leisure) with landscaping, public realm, car parking and associated development/works, at Aberdeen Market, Market Street, Aberdeen, 181656.

The report advised that the application largely related to the Aberdeen Indoor Market which was situated between Market Street, Hadden Street and the Green.  The main market building dated back the early 1970s and was set over four and five stories, with taller core elements on the stair and service cores.

The report also noted that the following properties also formed part of the site boundary:-

·         6 Market Street (an adjoining retail unit)

·         91 – 93 Union Street (former BHS retail premises)

·         101 – 105 Union Street (retail units and vacant associated upper stories)

The proposal was classed as a major development and consisted of demolition of the market building and redevelopment of the resulting site to form a mixed use office-led development, with associated Class 1, 2, 3, 11 and public house uses with landscaping, public realm, cark parking and associated development.

The Forum heard from Pamela Grant (PATRIZIA) and Ian Fraser (Halliday Fraser Munro, HFM) in regard to the proposed application.  Fraser Littlejohn (Montagu Evans) and Stephen Diack (Architect HFM) were also in attendance to answer any questions from members.  Ms Grant explained that PATRIZIA invested all over Europe and wanted to provide sustainable developments.  She indicated that the applicant was also keen to incorporate street art to the site and support local artists.  Ms Gray advised that the applicant bought the building in 2010 and hoped to bring new life into the historic heart of Aberdeen.

The Forum also heard from Ian Fraser, Halliday Fraser Munro, who explained that at present, the building did not serve much of a purpose within the city with no active frontage and added very little to the area of The Green. Mr Fraser advised that the applicant was keen to take account of public realm and wished that the redevelopment be at the top end of the market, with Class A facilities.  Mr Fraser explained that they hoped to open up breathing space to Market Street and noted that the redevelopment would bring between 800 and 1100 people into the city centre every day.

The Forum then heard from Matthew Easton, Case Officer, who addressed the Forum and provided details regarding the planning aspects of the application and responded to questions from members.  Mr Easton explained that there were a number of relevant policies in regard to the proposed application.  Mr Easton advised that as the proposal was expected to see a loss  ...  view the full minutes text for item 3.