Stannifer - Mixed-Use Development - Aberdeen, Union Square
Date: 10 Sep 2002
The Lands Tribunal, the legal body in Scotland responsible for adjudicating on technical issues relating to property matters, has dealt a significant blow to the sole objector of the 51,095 sq m (550,000 sq ft) Union Square mixed-use development proposed in Aberdeen city centre.
Aberdeen Harbour Board has maintained a long opposition to plans for the regeneration of brownfield land around the city’s railway station because the development would involve the relocation of a little-used rail freight facility. However, earlier this year the Lands Tribunal ruled that this was not grounds for modifying the development plans, but gave leave for the Harbour Board to apply for compensation.
In a lengthy document considering this matter the Lands Tribunal, chaired by Lord McGee, has now effectively ruled that the Harbour Board’s arguments for compensation are flawed and that, consequently, no compensation is payable for the relocation of the freight yard.
The document states: “There will always be a real doubt as to whether the chain of events now relied on [by Aberdeen Harbour Board] would in fact have transpired”, before concluding that “… it would not be just to award compensation in this case…”
The rejection is an embarrassing blow for the Harbour Board, which has consistently rejected the alternative arrangements proposed by the developers of Union Square, Union Square Developments Limited.
The demolition of redundant buildings, which marks the start of the development, is expected to commence this autumn. The existing freight yard at Guild Street will be moved to two new locations outside the city, including Raiths Farm. The Lands Tribunal’s recent ruling added that: “… development of a modern freight rail yard at Raiths is in the public interest.”
Union Square Developments will announce the first occupiers of the Union Square retail and leisure development shortly. The regeneration project incorporates plans to upgrade the existing railway station and bus station to create a new public transport hub and a new public square. Detailed planning permission for the scheme was granted last year and completion is expected by the end of 2004.
Union Square Developments Director Campbell Whyte commented: “Although this issue has not materially affected the programme for the development of Union Square, we are very pleased that the Lands Tribunal has recognised that the arguments put forward by the Aberdeen Harbour Board were unjustified. The scheme, which will bring new life into the city centre, has the support of many organisations, including the city council and local business organisations, and we look forward to creating a vibrant and dynamic addition to Aberdeen’s city centre.”
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