St Nicholas House: Muse preferred bidder for former Aberdeen HQ

Muse Developments aims for linked buildings

The preferred bidder for the development of the former Aberdeen City Council headquarters site has been named.

Muse Developments plans a development comprising linked buildings, the tallest of which would be 10 storeys.

More than 1,000 council staff vacated 14-storey St Nicholas House, erected in 1968, for the newly-refurbished Marischal College building in 2011.

The preference is for a mix of hotel, offices, restaurants and retail space.

There would also be a small civic square, and Broad Street would be pedestrianised.

A public consultation lasting 12 weeks will be carried out before any planning application is submitted.

'Vibrant design'

Council leader Barney Crockett said: "We promised a modest civic square and this exciting development will deliver that and more, creating a lively new public space in the heart of the city."

Stephen Turner, regional director for Scotland for Muse Developments, said: "Muse Developments and its partners Aviva Investors are delighted to have been given the opportunity to work with Aberdeen City Council on Marischal Square, a high profile regeneration project which we believe will deliver a significant and lasting benefit not only to the Broad Street area, but to the city of Aberdeen.

"Our development team has created a vibrant design which respects the heritage of the location and opens it to wider use."

Muse aims for completion during 2016, tied in with Aberdeen's hope to be named UK City of Culture 2017.

BBC Scotland had revealed in September that Aberdeen City Council officials had recommended a shortlist of four potential buyers be drawn up.