Aberdeen city region deal praised by council leaders one year on

The Aberdeen city region deal has yielded tangible results for the North-east one year on, regional leaders have said.

The ten- year deal is backed by £250 million of investment from the Scottish and UK governments for projects designed to boost the area’s economy.

Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire council sand economic development body Opportunity North East ( ONE) are working with regional partners to agree individual project funding with the two governments.

Among the initiatives supported by the deal is the city’s new Oil and Gas Technology Centre ( OGTC) and associated Innovation Hub, while funding of £ 5m has been agreed for a project to improve the infrastructure around Aberdeen harbour.

The region has been selected for a pilot for ultra- fast broadband while an assessment of the area’s transport needs over the next 20 years is being carried out and a business case for a new Bio- Therapeutics Hub for Innovation has also been approved by t he ci t y region deal joint committee.

Committee chair councillor Jim Gifford, l eader of Aberdeenshire Council, said: “During an undisputedly challengi ng t i me f or our r egi on, t he city region deal has been key in enabling us to take strides in the realisation of our eco - nomic vision, build on our strengths and create opportunities for our region to flourish.

“It is hugely encouraging to not only be making progress on these exciting flag ship projects, but to already be see - ing some reaching completion in one short year.”

Councillor Jenny Laing, Aberdeen City Council coleader, added: “It took a great deal of planning to secure the Aberdeen city region deal - but when we signed the agreement in November 2016 we said it marked the start of a journey, not the end.”