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Alternative Models Needed For Delivery Of Culture And Sport

Nov 222016

martinford-kintore-crossing-tall With thanks to Martin Ford.

Aberdeenshire’sDemocratic Independent and Green Group of councillors (DIGG) is arguing the consultation on alternative service delivery models for sport and cultural services agreed at their council’s Education, Learning and Leisure Committee should form part of the expected wider consultation on budget options due to start later this year.

Aberdeenshire Council has agreed to follow a revised budget setting process for its 2017/18 budget in line with the decision taken at the Council’s budget meeting last February and in accordance with the provisions of the confidence and supply agreement between the DIGG and the Council’s coalition administration.

Draft budget proposals are to be published in November giving time for public consultation and to allow discussion on proposals between the various political groups on the Council ahead of formal budget decision making in February.

Cllr Martin Ford (pictured) said:

“I’m really not keen on the charitable trust proposal for future delivery of sport and cultural services. If it was not for the potential financial benefits – possibly betterment in excess of £1 million per annum – I don’t think the option would be under consideration. As it is, given the financial pressures on the Council and anticipated need for future savings, using a Council-owned charitable trust to deliver sport and cultural services has to be given serious consideration.”

Aberdeenshire Council is expected to have to make significant savings in its revenue budget for 2017/18 and in subsequent years. At this stage, before the Scottish Government grant settlement is known, there is considerable uncertainty about the amount the Council will have to save to balance its budget for next year.

However, based on reasonable assumptions, additional spending cuts or other savingstotalling over £10 million are expected to be required, over and above thesavings already identified in the draft 2017/18 revenue budget published last February.

Cllr Martin Ford said:

“In setting its revenue budget for 2017/18, Aberdeenshire Council is going to have to take a range of decisions driven by the need to save money. Moving to a Council-owned charitable trust to deliver sport and cultural services is one option that could be adopted.

“Deciding what to do to balance the revenue budget means comparing all the potential savings options and trying to identify the least damaging and disruptive way of achieving the spending reductions required. Public consultation on those savings options that would affect the Council’s public services should also allow simultaneous consideration of the different proposals, so their relative acceptability can be gauged.

“Including alternative models for the delivery of sport and cultural services in the Council’s budget consultation process is the logical way to proceed,”

Cllr Paul Johnston said:

“As part of consideration of alternative delivery models for sport and cultural services, I would want the Council to look at options for local control, not just a single Aberdeenshire-wide charitable trust.

“As a group, the DIGG aim to have a range of draft budget proposals ready for the November full council meeting, and will welcome the opportunity to get feedback and comment on these before the Council sets its revenue budget for 2017/18 next February.”

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Shire Budget: Money Needed For Safer Roads Says DIGG

Aberdeenshire, Opinion No Responses »

Nov 102016

With thanks to Martin Ford.

As Aberdeenshire Council embarks on its budget setting process, the Democratic Independent and Green Group of councillors (DIGG) has identified road safety as one its budget priorities.

“Speeding on local roads, and the road safety issues it causes, come up again and again at community council meetings and in individual representations to councillors,” said Cllr Paul Johnston. “It’s an issue that never goes away.”

“Although the Council is facing severe financial pressures, we believe the Council needs to look at increasing the resources put into traffic calming and other road safety provision,” said Cllr Martin Ford (pictured).

“The DIGG is keen to include an increased allocation of up to £250,000 per annum in Aberdeenshire Council’s revenue budget for ‘traffic calming and speeding reduction’ to keep up with the need to put additional measures in place in communities across Aberdeenshire.”

However, based on reasonable assumptions, additional spending cuts or other savings totalling over £10 million are expected to be required, over and above the savings already identified in the draft 2017/18 revenue budget published last February.

“With further significant savings required in next year’s budget, there’s going to be no new or spare money for anything,” said Cllr Paul Johnston.

“So to find increased funding for priorities, the only realistic option is to shift funding from something less important.”

“The DIGG is looking for a way to redirect funding towards helping reduce speeding traffic on our rural roads and in our towns and villages,” said Cllr Ford.

“And we need to do that without cutting some other vital service.

“The DIGG aim to have a range of draft budget proposals ready for the November full council meeting, and will welcome the opportunity to get feedback and comment on these before the Council sets its revenue budget for 2017/18 next February.”

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Student Lockdown To Attract Thousands To Bon Accord

Aberdeen City, Articles No Responses »

Sep 012016

Student-Lock-In-Save-the-date2 With thanks to Jessica Murphy, Senior Account Executive, Citrus:Mix.

Bon Accord will enter lockdown next month as Aberdeen’s biggest and best student event takes over the city centre.

Now in its fifth year, the annual event, which is open exclusively to students, attracted more than 6,000 people to Bon Accord & St Nicholas last year.

The Student Lockdown is expected to attract an even bigger turn-out as the centre hosts the extravaganza on September 27. Students will be able to get their hands on a range of incredible discounts, with retailers offering up to 50% off purchases on the night as well as special giveaways.

Around 40 stores will be open on the night, which will run from 6.30pm to 9pm, and feature a wide variety of attractions and entertainment – as well as DJs, food and pop-up bars.

Craig Stevenson, manager of Bon Accord & St Nicholas, said:

“This event has now firmly established itself on the student calendar and has been growing in popularity each year. The atmosphere it creates in the centre is absolutely fantastic and we are looking forward to welcoming students from Aberdeen’s two universities and North East Scotland College to the Student Lockdown next month.

“Retailers will be putting on some incredible discounts for attendees and we will also be holding a range of competitions in the build-up to the Lockdown. Live music, special giveaways and pop-up bars and food outlets will further add to the occasion and ensure students will have an incredible night. For us this is also a way to introduce new students to what is on offer in Aberdeen and we hope they come along and enjoy it.”

Bon Accord & St Nicholas are at the heart of Aberdeen city centre’s retail sector, offering 840,000 sq ft of prime space and home to around 100 stores. Scotland’s largest Next, Aberdeen’s only Topshop and Topman standalone store as well as the City’s largest New Look and River Island are among the key retailers.

The centres, which attract an average of 275,000 visitors a week, are owned by BMO Real Estate Partners and managed by specialist retail agency Savills. For further information on the centres visit www.bonaccordandstnicholas.com

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£8,000 Raised At Bon Accord Big Bounce

Aberdeen City, Articles No Responses »

Jul 212016

With thanks to Phil Moar, Account Manager, Citrus:Mix.

Nearly £8,000 has been raised for charity after a new event had a city centre garden jumping for joy.

Big Bounce at Bon Accord welcomed kids and big kids to the greenspace last month (June 25-26) for the fundraising event which saw attendees able to enjoy eight inflatables installed within the space.

From bungee runs to bouncy castles, people turned out in their numbers to support Bon Accord & St Nicholas in its fundraising efforts for both CLAN Cancer Support and Great Ormond Street Children’s Hospital Charity.

The event also fell under the UK-wide One Great Day initiative.

As well as the inflatables, a range of pop-up food and drink retailers were also present, with music and entertainment throughout both days adding to the party atmosphere.

On Friday (June 24), the fundraising effort was also aided by five classes from Walker Road Primary School carrying out a sponsored Mini Bounce within the garden, with pupils each playing their part in helping their class jump continuously for 30 minutes. The big-hearted school’s efforts added more than £1,100 to the overall fundraising total.

Craig Stevenson, centre manager at Bon Accord & St Nicholas, said:

Susan Crighton, CLAN’s fundraising manager, said:

“The Big Bounce weekend was a fantastic new addition to the city centre event calendar and we’re thrilled to have been selected as one of the beneficiaries of the day.

“I’d also like to say a massive thank you to all those who took the time to visit over the course of the weekend and a special mention to the fantastic efforts of the Walker Road pupils who went above and beyond with their own fundraising session.

“Money raised for CLAN through the One Great Day initiative will go towards the charity’s provision of free wellbeing and support services for anyone affected by cancer across the north and north-east of Scotland; it really will make a massive difference.”

One Great Day is the brainchild of Bon Accord & St Nicholas owner BMO Real Estate and sees a range of local fundraising events held at over 60 shopping centres across the UK. All funds raised go towards Great Ormond Street Children’s Hospital and other local charities.

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Walker Road Gets Ready To Bounce At Bon Accord

Aberdeen City, Information No Responses »

Jun 242016

With thanks to Phil Moar, Account Manager, Citrus:Mix.

An Aberdeen primary school is jumping at the chance to take part in one of the city centre’s newest fundraising events.

Five classes from Walker Road Primary School have signed up for this weekend’s Big Bounce at Bon Accord which takes place within the roof garden above the St Nicholas Centre this weekend, June 25-26.

The enhanced area, which last year saw over £200,000 worth of improvements made to it, will see a total of eight inflatables installed throughout the course of the weekend, with the shopping centre appealing for both kids and big kids to join it on the day.

The pupils from Walker Road Primary will take part in a special fundraising Big Bounce on the Friday before the weekend, with every class bouncing for half an hour to raise funds for the event. Big Bounce at Bon Accord falls under the UK-wide One Great Day initiative and will this year raise funds for Great Ormond Street Children’s Hospital Charity and Aberdeen-based CLAN Cancer Support.

Gillian Graham, depute head teacher at Walker Road School, said:

“We’re delighted to be supporting this year’s Big Bounce at Bon Accord and we’re looking forward to attending the Friday school session.

“The pupils have been busy collecting pennies which will go towards two very worthwhile causes and some have even been practicing at home on trampolines in preparation for the day itself. It’s shaping up to be a fantastic new event for the city and we’re thrilled to be a part of it.”

Craig Stevenson, centre manager at Bon Accord & St Nicholas, said:

“I’d like to thank Walker Road for its enthusiasm in supporting Big Bounce at Bon Accord and I can’t wait to welcome the pupils for their half hour sponsored session.

“All money raised will go towards our overall One Great Day fundraising total which will be split this year between CLAN Cancer Support and Great Ormond Street Children’s Hospital Charity. Both causes provide invaluable support, advice and information to children and families here in the north-east so we’re delighted to be doing our bit on their behalf.”

As well as a range of inflatables and bouncy castles, the event will showcase various entertainment and music which will add to the party atmosphere throughout the two days. A selection of different food and drink stalls will also be present.

Attendees will be able to purchase tokens on the day for use of the inflatables, with all profits raised being split between both causes.

For more information, please visit www.bonaccordandstnicholas.com or the Big Bounce @ Bon Accord’s dedicated Facebook event page.

One Great Day is the brainchild of Bon Accord & St Nicholas owner BMO Real Estate and sees a range of local fundraising events held at its shopping complexes throughout the UK. All funds raised go towards Great Ormond Street Children’s Hospital and one other charity of each centre’s choice.

For more information on the day and school involvement, please visit www.bonaccordandstnicholas.com

Bon Accord & St Nicholas are at the heart of Aberdeen city centre’s retail sector, offering 840,000 sq ft of prime space and home to around 100 stores.

Scotland’s largest Next, Aberdeen’s only Topshop and Topman standalone store as well as the City’s largest New Look and River Island are among the key retailers, as well as H&M and New Look. Bon Accord also boasts a boutique store line up with retailers including Jigsaw, Hobbs, Phase Eight and Jo Malone.

The centres, which attract an average of 275,000 visitors a week, are owned by BMO Real Estate Partners and managed by specialist retail agency Savills.

For further on the centres visit www.bonaccordandstnicholas.com.

Smiggle Opens Up Colourful Treasure Trove

Aberdeen City, Articles No Responses »

Jun 172016

With thanks to Jessica Murphy, Senior Account Executive, Citrus:Mix.

A rainbow of colour will be unveiled in Bon Accord this week as one of Australia’s most popular and fun stationery stores opens its first store in Aberdeen.
Melbourne based Smiggle, is set to open its 61st store on Friday (June 17), bringing a treasure trove of brightly coloured stationery, gadgets and gizmos to the city centre.

The quirky children’s brand opened its first UK store in London in 2014 and is dedicated to creating original, fun and affordable stationery.

The brand’s products are focused on bold colour, quirky graphics, good value, innovation and most of all – giving fans the tools they need to have fun.

These offerings will be brought to life for Aberdeen consumers, with promises of bright backpacks, popping pencil cases, scented stationery, gadgets and gizmos and lots of goodies to deck out your desk.

Craig Stevenson, manager of Bon Accord & St Nicholas, said:

“Smiggle is a hugely popular brand and we are delighted to welcome the store to Bon Accord. Excitement has been building prior to the opening and the store is looking incredibly eye-catching.

“We are sure that Smiggle is going to become a fast favourite with youngsters, who will enjoy their fun range of stationary and accessories. We have been working hard to enhance our offering to young people, and the introduction of Smiggle, along with previous additions of JoJo Maman Bebe and Scallywags are making us a go to destination for the younger generation.”

Smiggle is known for introducing limited edition product assortments in a variety of colours, making them highly sought after, and stocks everything from bags and lunchboxes to accessories, gadgets and more.

Managing director of Smiggle, John Cheston, says:

“We’re thrilled to be opening our 61st store here in Aberdeen. There really is nothing like Smiggle anywhere else on the high street – and it will be great to see the public’s reaction when the doors open on the 17th.

“It’s important for us to inject fun into everything we do – from product design to store design, we will always focus on delivering to our fans the most original and playful stationary possible. We look forward to welcoming families in our store who know of the brand and are excited for our arrival, as well as introducing the colourful world of Smiggle to new fans in the area.”

The centres, which attract an average of 275,000 visitors a week, are owned by BMO Real Estate Partners and managed by specialist retail agency Savills. For further on the centres visit www.bonaccordandstnicholas.com.

New Event Planned For City Centre’s Roof Garden

Aberdeen City, Featured, Information No Responses »

May 272016

With thanks to Phil Moar, Account Manager, Citrus:Mix.

A unique new event is set to have Aberdeen’s freshest greenspace jumping for joy.

Big Bounce at Bon Accord takes place within the roof garden above the St Nicholas Centre on the weekend of June 25-26.

The enhanced area, which last year saw over £200,000 worth of improvements made to it, will see a total of nine inflatables installed throughout the course of the weekend, with the shopping centre appealing for both kids and big kids to join it on the day.

It’s one of a number of events planned that will utilise the garden’s space and bandstand throughout the summer months with a view to establishing the area as a go-to event location.

Big Bounce at Bon Accord will fall under the UK-wide One Great Day initiative and will this year raise funds for Great Ormond Street Children’s Hospital Charity and Aberdeen-based CLAN Cancer Support.

Attendees will be able to purchase tokens on the day for use of the inflatables, with all profits raised being split between both causes. A range of music and entertainment will also add to the party atmosphere over the two days.

Craig Stevenson, centre manager at Bon Accord & St Nicholas, said:

“We’ve been busy devising a programme of events for within the roof garden in the summer months approaching and Big Bounce at Bon Accord is a main focus of this line-up.

“We’ve been looking to create a unique and different event that has the potential to become an annual occurrence and we think that our Big Bounce weekend fits the bill. We’re going to have nine inflatables installed over the two days – from bouncy castles to bungee runs – and we believe that this is the first time in the city that this amount has been in the same place at the same time; we’re really looking forward to welcoming people over the weekend!

“There is a fundraising element to the weekend, with both CLAN and Great Ormond Street Children’s Hospital Charity being supported, but we really just want people, both young and old, to come along and join us for a day of family fun.”

Susan Crighton, CLAN’s fundraising manager, said:

“CLAN is thrilled to again be involved with a Bon Accord & St Nicholas fundraising day. The support CLAN has had from the centre, its staff and those who shop within it has been so valuable to the charity over the last years and we simply can’t thank them enough for their efforts.

“We certainly haven’t come across an event of this type in Aberdeen before and we’re looking forward to what will be a fun-filled, worthwhile day.”

Schools are also being encouraged to take part in the weekend, with sponsorship packages available for classes to get involved. Participating classes will be assigned an hour session where they can come down and join in the fun. A prize for the class who raises the most money will also be awarded.

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Range Of Events Planned For Roof Garden

Aberdeen City, Information No Responses »

Mar 242016

With thanks to Jessica Murphy, Senior Account Executive, Citrus:Mix.

The sound of jazz will emanate from a city centre roof garden this weekend as an exciting programme of events gets underway.

Bon Accord & St Nicholas will host a number of performances for Jazz On The Green – part of the Aberdeen Jazz Festival running from March 16 to 20 – at the greenspace near the St Nicholas centre.

A range of jazz acts will perform in the bandstand in the roof garden on Sunday March 20, uniting the city centre in a celebration of jazz, blues, funk, soul, R & B, swing, bop, vocals and big band, with free admission for all.

Work on improved seating, lighting, flower provision and a brand new children’s play area was completed last year to breathe new life into the greenspace – and it is hoped it will become a popular destination within the city centre.

Plans are in place for an Easter Egg hunt within the roof garden and events will continue throughout spring and summer.

Craig Stevenson, manager of Bon Accord & St Nicholas, said:

“We are delighted to be playing a part in the Aberdeen Jazz Festival, which is always a fantastic and lively event. This will be a great chance for the public to come along to the enhanced roof garden and see how it has been transformed in the past year. The bandstand within the roof garden is a great performance area and event space and I am sure the talented jazz performers will draw the crowds in.

“A lot of hard work went into transforming the area and we want it to be a space for the people of Aberdeen to enjoy. We are looking forward to finalising a wide range of exciting events throughout spring and summer and welcoming people to the garden throughout the months to come.”

Picture Credit: “Inside the Bon Accord centre – geograph.org.uk – 1241608” by Stanley Howe. Licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0 via Commons

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£2million Refurbishment For Loch St Car Park

Aberdeen City, Articles No Responses »

Mar 172016

With thanks to Phil Moar, Account Manager, Citrus:Mix.

One of Aberdeen’s most popular city centre
car parks is to undergo a £2million
refurbishment.

Bon Accord & St Nicholas’ Loch St car park, which on average welcomes over one million users a year, has been earmarked for a number of innovative improvements that are set to enhance the parking experience for those visiting the centre.

A fresh parking surface, brighter energy efficient LED lighting as well as the grouping of both disabled and parent and children spaces to the same location on each level are all part of the plans.

Funded by centre owner BMO Real Estate and managed by specialist retail agency Savills, work on the car park is expected to be completed by the end of October.

Craig Stevenson, centre manager at Bon Accord & St Nicholas, said:

“We’re delighted to be working with both BMO Real Estate and Savills to enhance the car park experience for our loyal customers in what is a significant refurbishment project for the centre.

“We want customers to get their visit to Bon Accord & St Nicholas off to the best possible start and we appreciate the role that a bright, modern and accessible car park plays in an individual’s shopping experience.

“Work will only be carried out on one level at a time in an effort to avoid disruption for those coming and going from the facility; we look forward to welcoming visitors to the enhanced parking provision in the coming months.”

Throughout the programme of work, the car park will be open until 8pm instead of 11pm. On a Thursday only, it will be open until 10pm. The neighbouring Harriet St car park is unaffected by the works.

Bon Accord & St Nicholas are at the heart of Aberdeen city centre’s retail sector, offering 840,000 sq ft of prime space and home to around 100 stores.

Picture Credit: “Inside the Bon Accord centre – geograph.org.uk – 1241608” by Stanley Howe. Licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0 via Commons

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Two New Stores To Open In Aberdeen

Aberdeen City, Articles No Responses »

Mar 112016

With thanks to Jessica Murphy, Senior Account Executive, Citrus:Mix.

One of Australia’s most popular stationery stores is set to open its first store in Aberdeen.
Melbourne based Smiggle will add a colourful splash to Bon Accord & St Nicholas in June, complementing the mall’s offering to youngsters.

The quirky and vibrant children’s brand is a treasure trove of brightly coloured stationery, gadgets and gizmos, stocking everything from bags and lunchboxes to accessories, gadgets and more.

A mainstay in Australia, Smiggle opened its first UK store in London in 2014 and has grown rapidly since then, with 42 stores now trading in the UK. It is known for introducing limited edition product assortments in a variety of colours, making them highly sought after.

Smiggle will move into the EE store in the Bon Accord mall, while EE will relocate to the former Build-a-Bear unit.

Cementing its reputation as a desirable location for retailers, Bon Accord & St Nicholas will also welcome UK’s biggest kitchen specialist, Magnet, to a shop at 139 George Street, adjacent to Bon Accord and immediately opposite the city’s John Lewis department store. The showroom is due to open in spring.

Craig Stevenson, manager of Bon Accord & St Nicholas, said:

“It is a fantastic coup for us that Smiggle has chosen to open its first Aberdeen store in Bon Accord & St Nicholas. The store is incredibly popular in Australia and throughout the UK and we are delighted to welcome the brand to Aberdeen. I am sure their playful and eye-catching range of stationery and accessories will appeal to young shoppers and the addition really does enhance our offering to children in the centre.

“We have introduced a range of family oriented stores in the past 12 months, from JoJo Maman Bebe to Scallywags, making us a great destination for the younger generation. We are looking forward to Smiggle opening its doors in the spring in what will be a colourful addition to Bon Accord & St Nicholas.

“Magnet is now also close to opening in a George Street unit close to the centre. This is an exciting addition for us which adds to our great line-up of retailers and further enhances our offering to shoppers.”

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