Union Terrace Gardens

From Wikipedia


The sunken gardens opened to the public in 1879, and cover approximately two and a half acres . The space is bounded to the north by Rosemount Viaduct, to the south by Union Street, Aberdeen's main thoroughfare, to the east by the railway and the Den Burn, now flowing underground, and to the west by Union Terrace
Contrary to popular belief the area is not a natural amphitheatre but a small river valley with a late-Victorian viaduct constructed at the North end in 1889. The amphitheatre was formed from the covered remains of Denburn Terrace after demolition.
The park is surrounded by of some of the best architecture of Aberdeen, prominent among which are His Majesty's Theatre, St Mark's Church and the Library on Rosemount Viaduct to the north, and the Triple Kirks to the east.
On the park's north side is a formally planted and maintained floral crest of the city's coat of arms.
At the Union Street end of the gardens stands a group of mature elm trees, nearly 200 years old...The arches which run along the length of Union Terrace were designed by architect James Matthews, who was instrumental in turning the area into a pleasure park.

Sadly the gardens remain empty, only wino's dare venture down, which is a great shame Recently there have been a number of proposals to redesign the gardens. I myself worked on a scheme 23 years ago, to deck over the railway, and to have a town square over the then planned dual carriageway, leaving the gardens alone.

The council last week again voted to do nothing.