So unless you've been hiding in a cave for the last few months you will have heard about the hooha surrounding the future of Union Terrace Gardens. We caught up with the head of the I Love UTG campaign, Katie Guthrie, to see what deal is and hopefully inspire you to do something about the future of your city.
OK Katie, so what is ‘I love UTG’ all about?
It's a campaign set up to promote the options available for Union Terrace Gardens and to also highlight the threats they are currently under.
From what we understand there’s two main proposals for the gardens, Peacocks Art Centre and Ian Woods City Square and you’re in favour of the Peacocks proposal?
Yes both as an artist and as an Aberdonian. I have watched how the DCA (Dundee Contemporary Arts Centre) waterfront development has regenerated Dundee with massive success and Dundee is a much smaller city than Aberdeen. Arts are at the forefront for regenerating cities both economically and socially - Dundee, Glasgow, Liverpool and Houston are all prime examples of this. It is my belief that if the PVA centre went ahead it would create a stronger infrastructure within Aberdeen which would lead to more possibilities for us all in the future.
What is it you don’t like about Sir Ian Woods proposal?
Pretty much everything. I think if you're going to plough down the last green space within the city centre you need a very valid reason to do so. An ugly, uninspiring mass of concrete which will probably house a double story car park and more than likely end up as prime land for real estate in a few years just doesn't cut it in my books. If he wants to make a “generous donation” how about he re-opens the homeless shelters, community centres and public sport facilities that were shut down thanks to council cut backs?
Someone told me you were a tree hugger, is that true?
Haha well I wouldn't consider myself to be one. I respect nature and prefer the mountains and countryside to cities but I don't think that makes me a tree hugger. I think it all boils down to respect. Just because I give a shit about protecting something that plays an important role in our ecosystem it doesn't make me a “tree hugger” it just means I'm trying not to be ignorant and take life for granted. Ken?
What will the new peacocks art centre offer to the people of Aberdeen which the existing centre already doesn’t?
The existing centre is too small and is just not suitable to fit the needs and wants of the creative regeneration that our city is desperately lacking. At the moment it's mainly just an arts centre but if the new PVA building goes ahead it will have a dance centre, community outreach, space for conferences, film premieres etc. It will be what ever the city needs it to be (except a car park or retail outlet).
Not to mention the fact that it will bring a wealth of tourism and money in to our local economy which Aberdeen City Council have already destroyed thanks to their short sighted “visions” which usually revolve around retail.
Some people don’t seem to care, why should they?
Because it's their city and their chance to decide the future for it.
Do you think the people of Aberdeen need a boot in the face to get them to do something about the issue or do you think you have enough support?
We have had a load of support already which has been great but there is definitely room for more. I have loads of people telling me how awful the City Square project is but they don't do anything about it because they either can't be bothered or they think somebody else will sort it out for them. These people will probably be the first to moan if the City Square goes ahead, so it's the old chestnut of do something about it or live with the consequences.
How can the average Aberdeen citizen help out?
By signing our petition here and getting involved in ACSEF's City Square public consultation here and voting NO to the City Square project. Essentially be there or be square.
What do you hope will happen?
I hope Aberdeen City Council come to their senses and avoid losing Aberdeen to the wants of rich business men who only care about what's lining their wallets rather than the needs of our city and the people inside it.
If his highness got his way what would you do then?
I would leave Aberdeen.
OK Katie, so what is ‘I love UTG’ all about?
It's a campaign set up to promote the options available for Union Terrace Gardens and to also highlight the threats they are currently under.
From what we understand there’s two main proposals for the gardens, Peacocks Art Centre and Ian Woods City Square and you’re in favour of the Peacocks proposal?
Yes both as an artist and as an Aberdonian. I have watched how the DCA (Dundee Contemporary Arts Centre) waterfront development has regenerated Dundee with massive success and Dundee is a much smaller city than Aberdeen. Arts are at the forefront for regenerating cities both economically and socially - Dundee, Glasgow, Liverpool and Houston are all prime examples of this. It is my belief that if the PVA centre went ahead it would create a stronger infrastructure within Aberdeen which would lead to more possibilities for us all in the future.
What is it you don’t like about Sir Ian Woods proposal?
Pretty much everything. I think if you're going to plough down the last green space within the city centre you need a very valid reason to do so. An ugly, uninspiring mass of concrete which will probably house a double story car park and more than likely end up as prime land for real estate in a few years just doesn't cut it in my books. If he wants to make a “generous donation” how about he re-opens the homeless shelters, community centres and public sport facilities that were shut down thanks to council cut backs?
Someone told me you were a tree hugger, is that true?
Haha well I wouldn't consider myself to be one. I respect nature and prefer the mountains and countryside to cities but I don't think that makes me a tree hugger. I think it all boils down to respect. Just because I give a shit about protecting something that plays an important role in our ecosystem it doesn't make me a “tree hugger” it just means I'm trying not to be ignorant and take life for granted. Ken?
What will the new peacocks art centre offer to the people of Aberdeen which the existing centre already doesn’t?
The existing centre is too small and is just not suitable to fit the needs and wants of the creative regeneration that our city is desperately lacking. At the moment it's mainly just an arts centre but if the new PVA building goes ahead it will have a dance centre, community outreach, space for conferences, film premieres etc. It will be what ever the city needs it to be (except a car park or retail outlet).
Not to mention the fact that it will bring a wealth of tourism and money in to our local economy which Aberdeen City Council have already destroyed thanks to their short sighted “visions” which usually revolve around retail.
Some people don’t seem to care, why should they?
Because it's their city and their chance to decide the future for it.
Do you think the people of Aberdeen need a boot in the face to get them to do something about the issue or do you think you have enough support?
We have had a load of support already which has been great but there is definitely room for more. I have loads of people telling me how awful the City Square project is but they don't do anything about it because they either can't be bothered or they think somebody else will sort it out for them. These people will probably be the first to moan if the City Square goes ahead, so it's the old chestnut of do something about it or live with the consequences.
How can the average Aberdeen citizen help out?
By signing our petition here and getting involved in ACSEF's City Square public consultation here and voting NO to the City Square project. Essentially be there or be square.
What do you hope will happen?
I hope Aberdeen City Council come to their senses and avoid losing Aberdeen to the wants of rich business men who only care about what's lining their wallets rather than the needs of our city and the people inside it.
If his highness got his way what would you do then?
I would leave Aberdeen.
2 comments:
Here Here. Well said Katie.
I've just moved back to Aberdeen after spending nearly 9 years in Dundee and have seen the massive impact the Dundee Contemporary Arts has had on the City; rejuvenation, inspiration, financial investment, cultural development, social engagement and tourism boosting. And now the V&A and waterfront proposals - The DCA held up a magnifying glass to the Talent and Creative Potential of Dundee and allowed the world to see it. The Peacock proposal has can do the same for Aberdeen.
This is a once in a generation opportunity for us to do something amazing which will ensure the future of our city and its citizens.
A concrete ashtray, a multi-story car park or another half empty retail space will not bring long term investment to the city, it will not inspire creative enterprise or provide cultural and social opportunities which make other cities envious.
As a designer, printmaker and Aberdonian, I have signed the petition, voted no in the consultation and implore Mr Wood to reconsider how the intends to "help" our city.
Without a shadow of a doubt I fully support the Peacock proposal.
Like Katie said, if the concrete square goes ahead I'm leaving. And i'm sure there will be many others who will follow us. Union terrace gardens are one of my favourite parts of Aberdeen, I can't imagine why anyone would want to cover them! They obviously don't spend much time in the city centre. ACC listen to your residents and not the old oil tycoons who live in leafy deeside and couldn't give two hoots about Aberdeens city centre culture or history.
Post a Comment