The Press and Journal (Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire)
Foodbank plan for old AECC
Part of the former Aberdeen Exhibition And Conference Centre could be used for retail and a foodbank as part of proposals from its new owners.
King’s Community Church bought the front section of the disused site, including its observation tower, from the city council earlier this year in a deal worth almost £1.8 million.
The organisation, which has a congregation of more than 1,000, has already begun using its renamed King’s New Building for events including prayer evenings.
Work has also been taking place to repaint walls and remove old furniture as it prepares to step up activity there.
A planning application has now been lodged with Aberdeen City Council to formally change the allocated use for part of the Bridge of Don site, Balgownie One.
Designated as a six-floor office block, it is proposed that only one floor of it will be retained for this.
King’s Community Church wants to use two floors of the site for “social and recreational activities” and a further two for food bank storage and distribution.
It also wants to turn the whole of the lower ground floor into retail, having already found an as- yet undisclosed partner organisation to help out.
The planning documents state: “The application has also identified a food retailer for the lower ground floor.
“They have connections with King’s Community Church and the intention is to co-locate with the church and partner them in their charitable efforts to support those in food poverty or in need through the provision of meals and redistribution of food which might otherwise be wasted.
“They also share an objective to upskill and develop people and will help the church to provide training and development.”
The application concludes: “The change of use is critical to the applicant, who needs larger premises in order to carry out their charitable works.”
A King’s Community Church spokesman said: “King’ s Community Church, as the owners of the old AECC and adjacent Balgownie One buildings, are expectant and hopeful for the old office block building to be utilised for the positive benefit of the community.”