Potentially game-changing ideas for transforming Aberdeen will be pitched to possible financial backers at a conference in the city later this year.
The Vanguard Legacy event coincides with a major effort across the north-east to diversify and grow the area’s economy in the wake of the oil price crash of 2014-15.
It is expected to build on the momentum created by the City Region Deal and a range of public and private sector investment projects, valued in excess of £8billion, which are either planned or already under way in the region.
Ideas for attracting more European tourists, re-inventing Union Street and retaining the region’s most talented people will be among the pitches made to council chiefs, business leaders and other potential investors during the conference at the Belmont Filmhouse on December 5.
Since September, about 100 volunteers of all ages, sectors and backgrounds have been working to develop business cases for eight projects aimed at creating an amazing legacy for future generations of Aberdonians.
Teams will have just 15 minutes in front of key influencers in the hope of securing backing to take their ideas forward.
Organised by Aberdeen and Grampian Chamber of Commerce (AGCC), together with oil and gas firm Shell UK and other partners, the conference is the latest in a series of events aimed at inspiring bold, new ways of thinking in order to boost the area’s economic prospects.
The AGCC’s Russell Borthwick said: “We have an economic diversification plan that is gathering pace, our strength in innovation is being further developed through City Region Deal investment and there is real progress with the city centre masterplan.
“Critically, however, there is a growing passion to redefine our future. The time for energy, passion and fresh thinking is now.
“Vanguard Legacy aims to build on the momentum and find new ways of thinking and acting to ensure we become a renaissance region – not a museum to what was once Europe’s oil and gas capital.”
He added: “A rich, vibrant and diverse environment is something which impacts each and every one of us.
“There is real drive and enthusiasm among the work groups for how we can transform the north-east, and I for one am eager to hear what they have come up with.”
In addition to the group presentations, the conference will hear from motivational speaker Adrian Webster and Opportunity North East chief executive Jennifer Craw.
