City Deal Funding (Aberdeen)

Stuart Blair Donaldson Excerpts

Tuesday 30th June 2015 Commons Chamber

[Kirsty Blackman]

rose—

[Stuart Donaldson (West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine) (SNP)]

Does my hon. Friend agree that it is great to see the councils of both Aberdeenshire and Aberdeen city working together to secure this deal, which will benefit both the people in my constituency and hers?

[Kirsty Blackman]

I will come on to the point my hon. Friend raises in a few moments.

Our city’s transport connectivity is regularly flagged up as concerning. There is a heavy reliance on cars and high vehicle ownership, as the infrastructure and connectivity are sadly lacking at the moment. The city deal proposal highlights an opportunity for change to be made. Increasing the transport links will allow public transport in the city to become more fit for purpose and to encourage a reduction in car use. Aberdeen’s Union Street has degenerated over the years, as private companies have bought up properties and shirked their responsibilities in terms of maintenance and upkeep. I hope and believe that the city deal and the level of collaboration between organisations can ensure that agreement is forged on a way forward for our city centre. We want the local population to be drawn into the centre, to share experiences in a pleasant, welcoming environment, and to feel proud to live and work in our beautiful city.

Increasing the ability of companies to attract talent to our region will increase our economic output. I am so pleased that Aberdeen City Council, Aberdeenshire Council, Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen University, the local business community, the Scottish Government and the UK Government are working together to progress this proposal.