HFD Group and Ediston Properties, two unsuccessful bidders for the prime redevelopment of Aberdeen’s St Nicholas House, are to challenge the city council’s selection process for development partners.
HFD and Ediston both lost out to Muse Developments, which was last month chosen as the council’s preferred development partner for the former Aberdeen city council headquarters building. The 2.14-acre site was vacated by the council in 2011.
The companies’ lawyers have written to the council stating that a judicial review is being considered, and have asked for a response by Friday about re-running the selection process.
A council spokesperson said the council would respond directly to HFD Group’s solicitor, and added: “We are confident in our very robust processes.”
Backed by Aviva, Muse has submitted plans that include a new mixed-use quarter for the city, to be called Marischal Square.
The council will keep a long-term interest in its former 175,000 sq ft HQ by leasing back the development and receiving a proportion of the rental profits from tenants for 35 years.
Muse’s proposals were indicative and the design is yet to be finalised, but plans include a scheme with linked buildings, the tallest of which will be 10 storeys. The buildings will contain offices, a 250-bedroom boutique hotel, cafés, restaurants and shops.
A public consultation is currently running until the end of July, prior to a planning application being submitted.
lisa.pilkington@estatesgazette.com
