Aberdeen City Region is a UK success story. It embraced oil and gas following its discovery in the North Sea in 1969 and since then, has evolved around supporting the industry, generating growth through housing, transport infrastructure and education. It continues to make a significant exchequer contribution to Scotland and the UK and this is expected to continue into the future.
The region has welcomed the news that negotiations with Government have formally opened on a £2.9 billion City Region Deal that will shape the area for many years to come and help to protect the competitiveness of the oil and gas industry for the benefit of the whole of the UK.
Identified as the UK Energy Capital, the oil industry plays a fundamental role, not only in North East Scotland, but across the UK. Major progress has been made over the last 45 years with UK and national companies now firmly embedded in key positions of influence in the global energy sector.
Onshore public infrastructure is a crucial factor in the competitiveness and duration of the sector in the North Sea and the Aberdeen City Region. The Deal aims to release some £2.9billion for infrastructure improvements over the next 20 years, supported by an economic model focusing on internationalisation, innovation and skills.
The City Region Deal will have far reaching impacts, not just on the economy, but on regional competitiveness, connectivity, infrastructure, housing, employment and lifestyle, all of which are key elements in attracting and retaining the people we will continue to need to power and support the energy sector. Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire Councils are driving negotiations with Government to deliver step-change to the Region to fully realise the potential the Region has to offer.
Combined with capital funding for infrastructure, the heart of Aberdeen is set to be reignited. The City Centre Masterplan will breathe new life in to the Granite City seeking to develop as a remarkable 21st century destination for citizens, visitors and businesses.
The Masterplan seeks to place Aberdeen firmly on the map as a progressive global city. With a strategic approach to environmental quality and smart investment, the City will become one of Europe’s most sustainable cities, protecting and enhancing our economic, cultural and architectural assets to make them fit for the international stage.
In Aberdeenshire, the opportunity to further anchor the global subsea industry in Westhill will be supported through significant interventions, which in turn will deliver a world-leading subsea cluster for many decades into the future. Allied to this is the process of attracting research, innovation and technologies from around the world from Westhill, through the City and on to Energetica – Scotland’s energy corridor.
The City Region Deal and City Centre Masterplan will have far reaching impacts, acting as a catalyst for growth and diversification, impacting not just on the economy, but on regional competitiveness, connectivity, infrastructure, housing, employment and lifestyle – the key elements needed to retain a prosperous city.
The Aberdeen City Region is already one of Europe’s most economically successful areas, offering its residents an enviable quality of life. The city and the surrounding region is now embarking on a 20-year journey which will take us to new heights and enduring prosperity – for the benefit of the region, Scotland, UK and Europe.
For more information please contact Andrew Win on 01224 523060, visit www.aberdeencity.gov.uk/ShapingAberdeen or email ShapingAberdeen@aberdeencity.gov.uk; and Stephen Archer, Aberdeenshire Council on 01224 665520, stephen.archer@aberdeenshire.gov.uk
