Expansion of Bon Accord and St Nicholas centres backed by Aberdeen planners

Council planners have backed proposals to expand the Bon Accord and St Nicholas shopping centres in Aberdeen.Developers BMO Real Estate Partners have applied to expand the facility out to George Street to encompass nearly 9,500sq ft of shops, offices and restaurants and food outlets.Included in the proposals would be a roof over part of George Street, while there is also potential for a 170-bed hotel as well as flats and serviced apartments.Urging councillors to approve the scheme next week, Aberdeen City Council planners said the development will enhance the “vitality and viability” of this area of the city centre.The development would be split into three distinct blocks, with one located on Loch Street on the site of a former soup kitchen, now housing Jo Malone.As part of the development of this block, Jo Malone would be relocated closer to the entrance to the Loch Street car park.The former Co-op supermarket, Santander bank, Balaclava Bar and two other smaller vacant retail units would also be demolished to make way for new shops and a hotel.A third block would cover areas of car parking and yard space next to Crooked Lane, along with three retail units on St Andrew Street.