The Press and Journal (Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire)
Create ‘iconic’ heritage centre overhanging hidden water-filled site
both tourists and locals to the site – and somewhere for future generations to learn about the city’s history.
“For decades this quarry has been sitting there, doing nothing. Most Aberdonians have never seen it,” he said.
“It is becoming Aberdeen’s forgotten heritage – oil will come and go, but we will always be known as the Granite City.”
Mr Whyte believes the proposal – which would include a conference centre and restaurant – could help Aberdeen’s bid for the UK City of Culture title in 2017.
He said: “If we are to be serious contenders for the City of Culture title, then
“This would be a huge attraction – and it could be ready by 2017”
we need to think about what we have to offer.
“This would be a huge attraction – and it could be ready by 2017.”
Mr Black added: “Aberdeen City Council have been challenged to improve this great city and to provide better facilities for its people and visitors to it.
“Aberdeen has something great in Rubislaw Quarry, this unique and iconic site, once the largest manmade hole in Europe, is as important as Edinburgh Castle is to Edinburgh.
“We have been working very closely with local architects, Halliday Fraser Munro, and we think we A tourism expert said last night that Rubislaw Quarry has enormous potential as a visitor attraction.
Andrew Martin, director of the Scottish Centre of Tourism (SCOT) at Robert Gordon University, said future generations would enjoy exploring the special corner of Aberdeen’s heritage. have designs for a building to be as iconic at the site itself.”
David Halliday – of Halliday Fraser Munro – said the firm is excitedaboutthe
He said: “With this great selling point, a development at the quarry could really work for the city.
“Aberdeen and granite are inextricably linked, and there will be interest in this.
“Heritage tourism is quite important now.”
Plans are also in the pipeline for a major of- project. “This is a fantastic opportunity to showcase an important part of Aberdeen’s history,” he said.
“The innovative and dynamic design compliments fice development overlooking the site.
A proposal of application notice has been submitted to city council planners for a 115,000sq ft office block with car parking.
The site, previously owned by Scotia Homes, overlooks the quarry which gave the Granite City its nickname. the existing dramatic setting and will give visitors an unforgettable experience.”
Decades of rainwater now fill the quarry, and the
Aberdeen-based architect Michael Gilmour Associates lodged the application on behalf of Torontobased developer Carrtera Private Equities Inc.
A Michael Gilmour Associates spokesman said the next stage of the process would be a consultation exercise with local residents. businessmen are finalising plans to reduce the water level by around 120ft.
Electronic equipment has been installed on the embankment and the wa-
“We will be contacting the community council when we firm up our proposals before arranging a public engagement event. The plan is for an office development with parking integrated within the building itself. The site is on the northern edge of the quarry, with an entrance off Hill of Rubislaw.” ter will go through a storm drain to a burn. Work to remove water is expected to start over the summer.