Save UTG (Union Terrace Gardens) Aberdeen

There's a bit of a stooshy going on in Aberdeen at the moment. Some people want an elegant, world class arts centre that will re-energise and invigorate the sadly dilapidated Union Terrace Gardens (to the cost of £13 million pounds - 75% of the funding is in place from many sources).

Some people want to concrete over the 6 acre site and "create a civic square to be proud of" - yes, Aberdeen's only central green space (without dead people in it!) has been earmarked to be turned into something we can't describe - as there are no solid plans for it yes - just artists impressions of slabbed expanses, unreal mature trees etc.

There are some people who don't want anything - and are happy to not have any progress in re-vitalising the gardens - a real travesty!

We are obviously on the side of the Arts Centre - after all, Aberdeen is woefully under provided with artistic venues (per capita) - not quite the same can be said for Oil related business ventures! - no wonder people think the Arts don't contribute "financially" to our economy (not that that is even a valid point, as life doesn't always have to be about profit and money and spend spend spend!).

Anyway - make up your own mind - check out the comparison site www.comparethesquare.com on the "facts" that we do know - after all - the ACSEF plans are still being visioneered and consulted on - as opposed to the PVA plans that got full planning permission and were about to be built last summer (2009) - until ACSEF & Sir Ian decided to put the breaks on that one.