Steensen Varming has been appointed to develop a strategy to raise Aberdeen's profile by lighting up its statues, gateways, civic spaces and landmark buildings.

The Danish engineering consultancy is leading the 'Aberdeen in Colour' project, which will see dynamic and interactive approaches to lighting considered to boost the city's unique architecture and streetscape.

The City Centre Masterplan (CCMP) scheme will utilise energy efficient lighting and, where possible, integrate with Aberdeen's Digital Strategy. With new and historic buildings potentially becoming part of the project, 'Aberdeen in Colour' would also be designed to support visually-impaired people.

A public engagement exercise is to be held to help inform the strategy, which is expected to be completed in early 2018 and will include costings. In due course the proposals will go to councillors, who would decide whether or not to progress the plans..

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Cllr Marie Boulton said: "We are delighted be driving ahead with this City Centre Masterplan project, which has the potential to animate Aberdeen in spectacular new ways, whatever time of day or year.

"We are especially pleased to have secured the services of Steensen Varming, a company with a global reputation for bringing cities and civic spaces to life in a way that is designed around people and respects the character of the setting.

"These installations could help us build on initiatives like SPECTRA, our hugely-successful annual lighting festival, and even become works of art in themselves. The Council is delighted to be working in partnership with Aberdeen Inspired on this project and it will be exciting to see the proposals forward for consideration."

Adrian Watson, chief executive of Aberdeen Inspired, said: "Aberdeen Inspired is committed to seeing the CCMP move forward, with the Aberdeen In Colour workstream another example where the organisation will meaningfully work with Aberdeen City Council and others to ensure the transformation continues.

Steensen Varming's Team Leader, Mirjam Roos, said: "We are honoured to have the opportunity to work together with Aberdeen City Council to transform the city's night-scape through the power of light.

"Aberdeen has a very unique and distinct architecture and street scape which is currently not apparent at night-time. We are excited about the opportunity to reveal Aberdeen's historic architecture and hidden laneways and to create a new pedestrian experience at night-time."

(LM/MH)