Latest news with #AberdeenCityCouncil
Press and Journal
23-07-2025
- Business
- Press and Journal
Budz Bar developer: 'We're clearing final planning hurdle and poised to start revamp!'
Long-awaited renovation work to transform Aberdeen's former Budz Bar building into a multi-storey entertainment destination could finally be poised to get under way. After previous blueprints for the overhaul fell foul of historians, developers were sent back to the drawing board. New plans have now been submitted to Aberdeen City Council in the hopes of addressing all of the issues raised. The former Budz Bar building, which has been vacant for almost two decades, was earmarked for a major revamp by by Alpha Bravo Investments, run by Allan Smith and Bruce Porter. The venue, called Glitch, would include mini golf across several floors in a building stretching from Union Street to Justice Mill Lane. along with cocktail bars and a pizzeria. Planning chiefs rejected original plans to cover the exterior in corten steel – but the duo have enlisted the help of new designers to devise fresh plans. Mr Smith told The Press and Journal he wants to 'add something really special to Union Street', and is now within touching distance of kick-starting the costly work. While plans to rejuvenate the inside of the building were welcomed, it was the exterior which council bosses had a problem with. One of the most prominent features of the scheme turned out to be the new facade dreamed up for the Justice Mill Lane side of the complex. Design images showed the building wrapped in bronze-coloured corten steel cladding – which would light up at night like the Aberdeen letters in Union Terrace Gardens. Local historians complained about how this would look in the conservation area, with one opponent saying it would resemble 'the Las Vegas strip at night'. And ultimately, council officials agreed – rejecting the overhaul due to these concerns. Now, Mr Smith and Mr Porter have come back with a new plan – which keeps more of the traditional frontage intact. And this, they say, could actually turn out to be a bit of a selling point. The new design has the corten steel replaced with a traditional shopfront look, with three archways – harking back to the building's original design. Mr Smith told The P&J: 'We've been in talks with the heritage team in Aberdeen to make sure we preserve the building's character. 'It's over 200 years old, and we want to respect that.' The duo have taken inspiration from The Washhouse in Manchester – a popular speakeasy disguised by a laundrette. 'What you see from the street gives the impression of one thing, but when you step inside, it's something completely different,' Mr Smith added. And with these new plans now officially lodged, Mr Smith is raring to go to get his new venue open. He said that planning permission is the only hurdle left to overcome, and that if the council give the go-ahead, he's ready to start the renovations. 'We're excited about the new direction and keen to push on,' the leisure boss said. 'With the updated team and approach, we're confident that we can deliver something that works for the council, community and adds something really special to Union Street. 'Then we can get on with the fun inside!' He added. You can view the full plans here.
The National
22-07-2025
- Business
- The National
Tall Ships celebration attracts 400,000 visitors to Aberdeen
Described as one of Scotland's biggest tourism events, this year the Tall Ship Races began on Saturday and saw thousands of people cheer on almost 50 vessels from around the world. The four-day event concluded on Tuesday with organisers hailing it as an outstanding success, along with boosting the economy and re-energising the Granite City with a 'renewed sense of pride and confidence' in the future. It was estimated that 400,000 visitors made the trip to Port of Aberdeen with tens of thousands more at the beach and around the bay during the Tall Ships Races Aberdeen 2025. READ MORE: Edinburgh gift shop accused of tax evasion following UK-wide probe In partnership with Aberdeen City Council, Port of Aberdeen, and Aberdeen Inspired, the event boasted a packed programme ranging from Quayside Concerts featuring performances from Deacon Blue and Kaiser Chiefs along with a display from the Red Arrows. First Minister John Swinney praised the success of the Tall Ships when he toured the Port of [[Aberdeen]]'s Marine Operation Centre on Tuesday and watched the Parade of Sail, which marked the end of the four-day extravaganza. He also met Tall Ships sail trainees who had been sailing from Dunkirk to Aberdeen along with volunteers who made sure the event was smooth sailing for all to enjoy. (Image: Jane Barlow/PA Wire) Swinney said: 'It has made me extremely proud to witness first-hand the success of The Tall Ships Races Aberdeen 2025 and meet some of the people involved. 'The young crew members who have sailed from Dunkirk to Aberdeen are a true inspiration. And the four-day programme, pulled together so expertly by organisers and volunteers, has been an incredible spectacle that will be remembered for years to come. 'Aberdeen has built a strong reputation as a globally recognised event hub that boosts local economy, community pride, and international connections. 'The Scottish Government is committed to supporting world-class events like The Tall Ships Races that raise Scotland's profile, attract tourism and investment, and grow our economy.' The Tall Ships Races was the biggest event staged in the Granite City in a generation, and organisers of the event said the full impact it has had on the economy now and into the future will be closely assessed. (Image: Jane Barlow/PA Wire) Highlights of the event included the chance to explore the ships themselves, while budding sailors were also able to enjoy the bustling market of Curated On The Quayside along with pop-up bars and food stalls as well as free music and entertainment all day long. Councillor Martin Greig, chair of the Aberdeen Tall Ships organising committee, said the whole experience was 'rewarding' for young people. He said: 'I'm pleased that the event turned out to be so popular. The huge number of more than 400,000 visits is a massive boost for our area. The crowds of people show this has been a truly inclusive event for all ages and abilities. 'The Tall Ships visit has been a marvellous, uplifting experience for everyone involved. It's been great to welcome so many visitors from far and wide to our harbour and to our city. The festival has given enormous pleasure to so many thousands of people. 'It has been a really splendid time for sharing fun, learning and friendship. Aberdeen opened itself up to the world and has confirmed our identity as a good-natured, kind community. 'Young people are at the heart of the Tall Ships and it has been especially rewarding to see them benefit from the opportunities of taking part in so many different ways. Hopefully our city can build on the amazing experiences of Tall Ships 2025 so that we can continue to grow together as a cosmopolitan, outward-looking place.' Adrian Watson, chief executive of Aberdeen Inspired, said: 'Wow, what a party that was! It created such a fantastic sense of vibrancy and excitement in the city that everyone who enjoyed it will never forget it. And 400,000 visits is an astonishing achievement. 'As well as the fun, the Tall Ships brought with them a major economic lift for the city with a huge jump in footfall for all the city centre businesses, who made the most of this opportunity, dressing their shops in bunting and posters, welcoming visitors through the door. It also underlines just how much there is to see and enjoy in our city centre.'
STV News
15-07-2025
- Automotive
- STV News
More than 160 Shetland drivers handed LEZ fines in Aberdeen
More than 160 fines have now been issued to Shetland drivers who have breached Aberdeen's low-emission zone. A freedom of information request shows that 16 of these notices were for one of the highest penalties—£480—given to drivers of vehicles that have fallen foul of the rules four times. The LEZ, which aims to discourage more polluting vehicles, is near the exit from the city's NorthLink terminal, where the overnight ferry from Shetland berths. Between June 1, 2024, when the LEZ began being enforced, and May 31 this year, a total of 162 notices were issued to vehicles registered with a ZE postcode. Most notices have been issued with a minimum fine of £60, but a number of penalties have been given for repeat offenders. Aberdeen City Council said that, based on general observations, the vehicles involved were 'typically passenger vehicles, light goods vehicles, and heavy goods vehicles.' Low emissions zones (LEZ) are in place in a number of Scottish cities, and fines are dished out if vehicles which fail to meet emissions criteria are driven in them. They aim to improve air quality in cities by encouraging the use of greener vehicles. The LEZ in Aberdeen is located to the immediate right of the junction from the NorthLink ferry terminal and covers the main part of the city centre. Generally, petrol vehicles registered from 2006 onwards and diesel ones registered after September 2015 will meet the required standards. There are some exemptions, including blue badge holders. Although the minimum fine is £60, it is reduced by 50% if it is paid within 14 days. The penalty is doubled with each subsequent breach, with this capped at £480 for cars and light goods vehicles and £960 for minibuses, buses, coaches and HGVs. The LEZ was technically introduced in Aberdeen in 2022 with a two-year 'grace' period imposed through to June 2024. Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
The Herald Scotland
15-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Herald Scotland
Iona Fyfe slams Aberdeen councillors over arts venue funding
Singer and songwriter Iona Fyfe, who is from Huntly, a small town north-west of Aberdeen, told The Herald: 'It is really concerning that Aberdeen City Council has chosen not to support Aberdeen Arts Centre with funding from its contingency budgets. 'It seems that both local and national government is developing a habit to consistently overlook the excellent work that grassroots venues and organisations are carrying out.' Hundreds turned out in an attempt to secure the venue's future. (Image: Aberdeen Arts Centre) Independent councillor Marie Boulton lodged a motion at a meeting of Aberdeen City Council's Finance and Resources committee, asking the local authority to provide a £100,000 lifeline to the charity behind the centre. However, a rival amendment proposed by the SNP-Lib Dem ruling partnership denied use of the council's contingency budget to aid the floundering organisation. Cllr Boulton told The Herald: 'Castlegate Arts didn't receive funding at the budget in March due to not having three months funding in reserves and an application which Castlegate Arts accepted didn't demonstrate the amazing grassroots community arts programmes they provided. 'Anyone involved in the arts, particularly community arts, will know that they are always working with a very small amount of funds so to have three months reserves is often very difficult for them. 'Castlegate Arts has operated the Art Centre for over 25 years removing barriers for children, people with disabilities and older people, allowing access to the arts either as a performer, volunteer or as a member of the audience.' A previous application to the local authority, asking for £170,000 of an allocated £2.3m in UK Shared Prosperity Fund cash, was rejected in May. Aberdeen Arts Centre includes a 350 seat auditorium, a cafe bar, flexible performance and events space, and the Children's Theatre, a groundbreaking youth theatre dating back to the 1950s. More than 35 local groups use the space for performances. Aberdeen has faced a series of cuts to libraries in recent years. Fyfe has urged people to support the organisation's campaign to keep the centre open. She noted: 'Aberdeen Arts Centre is a mainstay in the scene of the North East and I'd urge folks to support it so that it remains a mainstay. Supporting the centre doesn't need to be a chunky donation, but attending events, or even sharing the campaign on social media. 'Things are difficult for everyone right now, but the pandemic proved to us the sheer value that the arts bring to our lives and wellbeing.' In a statement, an Aberdeen City Council spokesperson said the local authority was already paying for the organisation's rent, and added that Castlegate Arts had not complied with a COSLA code of guidance on public spending. They said: 'Aberdeen City Council is committed to the Arts and awarded £1.45million to cultural organisations across the city through the Cultural Investment Framework 2025/26. "Aberdeen City Council continues to lease Aberdeen Art Centre to Castlegate Arts Ltd with the City's Common Good Fund covering any rental payment. The spokesperson added: "Castlegate Arts Ltd continue to not comply with the 'Code of Guidance on Funding External Bodies and Following the Public Pound' published by the Accounts Commission and Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (COSLA), to which Aberdeen City Council adheres. 'As such, the Council is unable to provide financial assistance to organisations that do not meet these national legislation requirements. 'The Council through its External Funding Team continues to provide support to any organisation interested in accessing funding.' Read more: NHS board spent £269,000 in battle against rats, birds, insects, and rabbits 'A grim reality': Glasgow City Council spent £106m to house homeless last year First Minister John Swinney to meet with Donald Trump during Scottish holiday Castlegate Arts, which has run the 'grassroots' arts centre for the last 26 years, hit out at the council's decision to deny funding. Interim executive director Sharon Catchpole said: 'While we were congratulated in Council chambers today for our campaign remaining apolitical, it is clear that the elected administration is not listening. 'The ruling coalition's manifesto commits that they will 'invest in Aberdeen Arts Centre' – however today's decision suggests otherwise. She added: 'We are thankful to the councillors, officers, MSPs, policymakers and members of the community that did fight our corner and who stood up for grassroots arts and culture in Aberdeen. 'The community has raised an incredible £90,000 so far, and Castlegate Arts is actively exploring alternative funding solutions, partnerships, and community-driven initiatives to ensure Aberdeen Arts Centre can continue to serve the city.'
Scotsman
10-07-2025
- Business
- Scotsman
All Aboard! First Bus offers 50% off tickets during The Tall Ships Races Aberdeen
This exclusive discount is being offered to help locals and visitors during what is set to be one of the biggest events of the year Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... First Bus has announced a 50% discount on tickets across its Aberdeen routes during next week's historic Tall Ships Races. From July 19 to July 22, 2025, hop on board and cruise through the city with ease and affordability. The discounted tickets will be unlimited during the event's run, available only through the First Bus app on Two-Trip, Day, 3- and 5-Day tickets. The announcement is in addition to First Bus partnering with Aberdeen City Council to offer 25,000 free Day tickets over the four event days, able to be used on services across the city. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad To redeem one of the 25,000 free Day tickets, a code will be released each day of the event on The Tall Ships Races Aberdeen website and social media. This code should be entered into the 'Discount Code' section of the First Bus App in the 'Tall Ships Promotion' category. The free ticket will then be ready to activate. Each code is only valid for that specific day with a limited number of tickets available. Once that number has been reached, a 50% discount on Two-Trip, Day, 3- and 5-Day First Bus tickets will still be available. First Bus Senior Operations Manager, Graeme Edwards (left) Aberdeen City Council Councillor, Martin Greig (right) As one of the busiest events of the year, expected to draw 400,000 visits, the bus operator and council are teaming up to minimise road congestion and reduce the overall Tall Ships Aberdeen carbon footprint. The Council will be supporting 4 Park & Ride shuttle bus services, which will be operated by local bus operators, departing from Bridge of Don P&R, Craibstone P&R, P&J Live (surface parking) and Kingswells P&R, with services running up to every 15 minutes. Port of Aberdeen's North Harbour will transform into a maritime festival, featuring almost 50 tall ships from around the globe. From food stalls and captivating street performers to free live music on multiple stages, there's something for everyone to enjoy. The festivities kick off on July 19 with the grand arrival of the fleet and a dazzling opening ceremony. The city will welcome over 1,500 sailors to take part in the lively international crew parade on July 20, featuring live music, dance, and captivating theatre performances. The grand finale on July 22 will see the ships set sail for Kristiansand, Norway, in a breathtaking parade along the beach esplanade. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Graeme Macfarlan, Commercial Director for First Bus Scotland, said: 'We're excited to support The Tall Ships Races Aberdeen with a 50% discount on tickets across all our routes in the city. This is an amazing opportunity for both locals and visitors to immerse themselves in the festival without blowing their budget on travel. First Bus offers 50% off tickets during The Tall Ships Races Aberdeen 'With venues for this event scattered around the city, we wanted to play our part in helping people explore the festival to its fullest in the most sustainable way. We can't wait to see everyone hopping on our buses and having a fantastic time!' Councillor Martin Greig, Chair of the Tall Ships Aberdeen organising committee, said: 'It's reassuring that The Tall Ships Races event will benefit from effective and strong partnership working with First Aberdeen. Their involvement helps to ensure that bus travel will be available cheaply, safely and speedily for the many thousands of spectators visiting the event. It is vital to get the transport arrangements right for everyone, especially around the harbour and city centre areas which are the focal points for visitors. Careful, detailed planning for buses and other forms of transport is underway so that all can enjoy the fantastic and memorable experience of The Tall Ships Races 2025."
