Hammerson announces that Union Square in Aberdeen has formally submitted an application for planning permission in principle (PPiP) to Aberdeen City Council for a multi-million pound expansion of one of Scotland's premier shopping destinations.

The proposed expansion includes new retail and leisure space, additional parking spaces, a 120 bedroom hotel, an expanded cinema, as well as reconfiguration of part of the centre's existing shopping area.

As part of the proposals, options for improved vehicle access to Union Square will be brought forward to address comments received during the public consultation. The development would create around 2,000 new jobs.

The Planning Permission in Principle (PPiP) application aims to set the principle of development on the site rather than the specific detail. Issue of detailed design, such as the Maritime Heritage aspiration, would be addressed through additional consultation and a detailed planning application should the PPiP be approved by Aberdeen City Council.

Ryan Manson, General Manager, Union Square commented:

''The opportunity to extend Union Square will enable us to build upon our successful track record of providing the city with new and exciting retailers and restaurants by enhancing our existing retail and leisure offer, whilst delivering the right infrastructure to support it.

''From the outset it has been vitally important to ensure our plans provide maximum benefit to not only our 16 million customers, but the wider local community. By complementing the aspirations of Aberdeen City Council's City Centre Masterplan - which outlines the expansion of Union Square as a key 'masterplan project' - we believe there is a real opportunity to deliver a scheme which will provide social and economic benefits to the local community and beyond.

'It is hugely encouraging to have received strong support for the proposals, and I would like to thank the people of Aberdeen for their invaluable feedback throughout the consultation period, which has importantly helped shape our application.''

ENDS

Hammerson plc issued this content on 12 February 2016 and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed by Public, unedited and unaltered, on 12 February 2016 09:27:17 UTC

Original Document: http://www.hammerson.com/media/press-releases/union-square-expansion-plan-submitted/