Union Square, the £250m retail and leisure development in the centre of Aberdeen, yesterday celebrated another major construction milestone with a Topping Out ceremony, held at one of the highest points of the retail and leisure development.

Developer Hammerson and main contractor Miller Construction hosted the event to celebrate the completion of the development's external structure and the handover of units to signed tenants, allowing the internal fit out process to begin.

Guests, including representatives from Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire Councils and members of the business community, were welcomed by local toastmaster Morris Manson and led to the top of the three storey car-park by piper Bill Blacklaw.

With a backdrop of Aberdeen City landscape, John Richards, Chief Executive, Hammerson, Robin Mackie, Chief Executive, Miller Construction and Kate Dean, Aberdeen City Council Leader marked the major milestone with the traditional ceremonial concrete pour.

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John Richards, Chief Executive, Hammerson said: "To have got where we are today is a real achievement. As we move into the retail delivery phase of the project, I am confident that this scheme will bring long-term prosperity to Aberdeen, creating jobs and attracting visitors from Aberdeenshire and further afield."

When complete, Union Square will become an integral part of Aberdeen's city centre landscape and offer a unique blend of retail and leisure facilities. Over the next few weeks, we will be handing over units to some of the big high street names that will soon be joining the development, including Zara, H&M and Bestseller.

Robin Mackie, Chief Executive, Miller Construction said: "This milestone is a great cause for celebration and we are delighted to welcome such distinguished guests to site to help us mark it.

"The success of projects of this scale, come down to the quality of the team who work on them. Working together in partnership with Hammerson, the professional team and our supply chain, and with over 500 staff on site, we are confident that Union Square will set a blueprint for future developments in the North East.

"We are pleased to be working with Hammerson and to be sharing this special occasion with them."

Union Square is a £250m development which will create a brand new retail and leisure centre in the heart of Aberdeen. It will open in the autumn of this year, creating around 1,000 jobs.

Confirmed retail tenants at Union Square include Marks & Spencer, Zara, H&M, Bestseller - with brands Vera Moda and Jack & Jones - Next, New Look, Dorothy Perkins, Burton, Warehouse, Wallis, Miss Selfridge and Clarks. The food brands on board are Nando's, ASK, Chiquito and Frankie & Benny's. Cine UK will operate the 10 screen cinema and Jurys Inns will operate the 203 bedroom three star plus hotel.

(GK/JM)