Protestors Gather in the City of Aberdeen Against the Proposed Industrial Development of the Last Remaining Green Space in Torry.
By Emily Reid
Photo: Josh Pizzuto-Pomaco
On 18th January 2023, a chilly Thursday morning, a group called Friends of St. Fittick’s Park, along with members of Friends of the Earth Scotland, gathered outside Aberdeen Town House to protest a decision made in the 2020 Local Development Plan by Aberdeen City Council.
The plan would allow for a large change to the Park, which has been cited as an ‘opportunity site’ for a new Energy Transition Zone (also known as ETZ). Created by business partners Port of Aberdeen, Scottish Enterprise with Aberdeen City Council and Ian Wood’s ONE, the plan would ultimately demolish a sizeable part of the park. With little information, responses to the proposed Local Development Plan express concern over the future of the Torry community.
There has been a lack of transparency and those involved in the plans have neglected to declare the exact intentions for the park, thus leading to worry among residents. Furthermore, Friends of St. Fittick’s Park’s research suggests that the proposal may not be about energy transition, but rather that developers see the Park as an opportunity for the industrialisation of St. Fittick’s Park; what they claim to be an “auld-fashioned land-grab”.
The group’s campaign is a local fight against issues such as climate change and biodiversity loss. They aim for a fair energy transition that puts community interest over corporate interests.
“We’re not against energy transition, it just shouldn’t cost a community their park.”
Protestors used megaphones to call for Aberdeen City Council to “Protect St. Fittick’s Park” and “Leave our Park alone”
Concerned about not just the park, but also the Torry community, Friends of Fittick’s Park emphasise the fact that Torry, a district of 10,000, has been neglected. The area faces poor housing quality, is surrounded by sewage works and has one of the most polluted streets in Scotland. St Fittick’s Park remains Torry’s last green space and is loved by Torry residents.
Due to the neighbouring industrial estate, since the 1970s, the park suffered from increasing levels of pollution. The Torry community previously came together and raised £178,000 to improve conditions in the Park, bringing in paths and playgrounds.
The award-winning park is beloved by children and families, all thanks to volunteers, including local children, who helped plant seeds and create an extensive woodland area. St. Fittick’s Park is home to many species of plants and animals, which is appreciated by naturalists who study there.
“We celebrate St. Fittick’s Park as a place for people of Torry and Aberdeen to come and enjoy and be close to nature.”
A Spokesperson for Friends of St. Fittick’s Park cited the importance of constituents over private business and said that the council is not taking public interest into account. The proposed ETZ would cause detrimental health impacts for the people of Torry.
Whilst campaigning to protect St. Fittick’s Park, the group highlights the physical and mental health benefits that this park brings to residents of Torry.
Friends of St. Fittick’s also held a rally at the Scottish Parliament on the 12th of January 2023, and have many other events planned to raise awareness.
