Union Terrace Gardens, Aberdeen

Union Terrace Gardens are a green oasis in the heart of Aberdeen, reached by stone steps and paths which go down from Union Street and the other streets around them. The gardens were formed out of the natural feature of the valley of the Denburn and give this part of the Granite City its unique character.

It might therefore seem unbelievable that there is a proposal to obliterate the gardens forever, turning the valley of the Denburn into a car park underneath what its supporters are calling a city square and piazza. When so many towns and cities are condemned to high streets which all look too alike, why would any city want to lose a unique natural feature?

To some of us, this looks like civic vandalism on a grand scale. Nor does it seem right that Peacock Visual Arts' projected centre, which would renew and revitalize Union Terrace Gardens, and already has planning permission, is not to be included in the public consultation process on the future of the gardens.

Read more about the controversial proposals for Union Terrace Gardens, from both sides of the argument, in Maggie's article on Suite 101.

Also check out this passionate plea to save Union Terrace Gardens on Youtube.