Union Terrace Gardens, Aberdeen

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Candidate overview

The regeneration of Union Terrace Gardens has transformed a rundown heritage asset, to deliver a greatly rejuvenated city centre space.

Despite polarising visions to improve the gardens, the City Council have been central to delivery, providing a new vision, continuity and necessary political mandate after the failure of previous projects. The project team worked with a multitude of stakeholders to create a people-centred design, and the strength of engagement is to be commended.

The adept design concept has made the space work hard to maximise its potential for all user groups, defining a contemporary role for the gardens in the 21st Century. The early success of the project is creating a newfound confidence for the city.

The assessment team were impressed by the attention to detail, this enhancing the heritage of the gardens through a skilfully executed contemporary design.

The project has been used to advanced broader policy agendas including the Aberdeen City Centre and Beach Masterplan.

As a recently completed project, which has been allowed time to establish, the timing of the assessment was ideal with the story of the gardens continuing to unfold.

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Thumbnail illustration of Union Terrace Gardens by David Rudlin AoU, Artist-in-Residence