City Centre Masterplan project to brighten Aberdeen

Proposals to help Aberdeen light up as never before are to be drawn up under the City Centre Masterplan (CCMP), with a project to showcase statues, gateways, civic spaces and landmark buildings.

‘Aberdeen in Colour’ aims to raise the city’s profile by lighting its architecture and streets. It could also improve wayfinding and enhance cultural experiences while boosting security, social interaction and inclusiveness.

Steensen Varming, specialist firm, have been appointed to develop the creative lighting strategy and implementation plan after a competitive tending process.

The project is being brought forward by Aberdeen City Council and Aberdeen Inspired, operator of the Business Improvement District.

The CCMP said ‘Aberdeen in Colour’ could drive the night-time economy and ‘identify opportunities to raise the profile of Aberdeen at home and further afield’.

It would also be designed to support visually-impaired people, creating a sense of belonging for all residents and visitors.

Energy efficient lighting would be used and the project would integrate with Aberdeen’s Digital Strategy.

Marie Boulton, Aberdeen City Council’s lead on the city centre, said: “We are delighted be driving ahead with this City Centre Masterplan project, which has the potential to animate Aberdeen in spectacular new ways, whatever time of day or year.

“We are especially pleased to have secured the services of Steensen Varming, a company with a global reputation for bringing cities and civic spaces to life in a way that is designed around people and respects the character of the setting.

“These installations could help us build on initiatives like SPECTRA, our hugely-successful annual lighting festival, and even become works of art in themselves. The Council is delighted to be working in partnership with Aberdeen Inspired on this project and it will be exciting to see the proposals forward for consideration.”

Adrian Watson, chief executive of Aberdeen Inspired, said: “Aberdeen Inspired is committed to seeing the CCMP move forward, with the ‘Aberdeen In Colour’ workstream another example where the organisation will meaningfully work with Aberdeen City Council and others to ensure the transformation continues.

"The benefits of a creative lighting strategy for our city centre will be there for all to see and will put us to the fore in national terms, exactly where we ought to be.”

Mirjam Roos, Steensen Varming, said: “We are honoured to have the opportunity to work together with Aberdeen City Council to transform the city’s night-scape through the power of light.

“Aberdeen has a very unique and distinct architecture and street scape which is currently not apparent at night-time. We are excited about the opportunity to reveal Aberdeen’s historic architecture and hidden laneways and to create a new pedestrian experience at night-time.”