Aberdeen's High-Rise Housing Debate: Residents Say "Do Minimum"

Aberdeen’s iconic city centre multi-storeys are at the heart of a heated debate about their future. Following a consultation with residents, nearly half of respondents, 49%, to be exact, voted for a "do-minimum" approach to managing these ageing blocks. The feedback reveals a preference for keeping disruption and costs at bay, but it also leaves the council grappling with tough decisions about maintaining quality housing amidst increasing challenges.

Here’s a closer look at what’s happening, what residents want, and what it all means for Aberdeen’s housing future.

The eight multi-storey blocks in question, Marischal Court, Virginia Court, Seamount Court, Porthill Court, Greig Court, Hutcheon Court, Thistle Court, and Gilcomstoun Land, have been standing tall for decades. But like anything else that’s weathered years of use, they’re showing their age.

Energy inefficiency, wear and tear, and deteriorating structures have made it clear that something needs to be done. To decide the next steps, Aberdeen City Council sought input from the people who know these buildings best: their residents.

The consultation, conducted in November 2023, featured drop-in sessions, discussions with resident groups, and collaboration with organisations like Shelter Scotland and the Tenant Participation Advisory Service Scotland (TPAS). It asked tenants and owners about the current quality of their homes and gathered views on possible options for the future.

When the responses came back, they sent a clear message: nearly half of residents preferred the "do-minimum" option. Essentially, this means tackling the most critical repairs and improvements while avoiding large-scale overhauls or intrusive works.

For many, this preference comes down to practicality. Major renovations often come with hefty costs, and while council housing might absorb some of the financial burden, owners living in these blocks could face steep bills. It’s not hard to see why residents might be wary of grand plans with potentially massive price tags.

Councillor Miranda Radley, Convener of the Communities, Housing and Public Protection Committee, acknowledged the importance of this feedback, saying:

“The results of this consultation will enable us to shape the future of Aberdeen’s housing stock and improve this for years to come.”

Meanwhile, Vice Convener Councillor Dell Henrickson added:

“It is important that we listen to the feedback provided by those currently living in the eight multi-storeys so that we can continue to provide quality homes to individuals and families.”

While the "do-minimum" option reflects a desire for minimal disruption and manageable costs, it doesn’t exactly solve the bigger problem. The blocks are old, and their condition is only getting worse.

Some flats already fail to meet modern energy performance standards. Left unchecked, the deterioration could accelerate, leading to even greater expenses down the road. A "do-minimum" approach might feel like a safer bet today, but it could be kicking the can down the road.

At the same time, there’s the issue of liveability. The consultation highlights concerns about quality, but it’s also clear that residents value their homes and want to avoid drastic changes. Striking the balance between maintaining these buildings and avoiding costly upheaval will require thoughtful, nuanced solutions.

The consultation results are only the beginning. The council now has to weigh the feedback against the reality of managing these multi-storeys in the long term. A detailed report on the next steps is expected in Spring 2025.

Whatever the final decision, it’s going to be a balancing act:

• Cost vs. Quality: Ensuring housing remains affordable while meeting modern standards.

• Immediate Fixes vs. Long-Term Plans: Addressing urgent needs without neglecting future sustainability.

• Minimising Disruption: Keeping residents on board by avoiding overly intrusive works.

It’s worth noting that this isn’t just a council-driven process. Organisations like Shelter Scotland and TPAS have played a key role in ensuring that residents’ voices are heard. Their involvement adds a layer of credibility and helps bridge the gap between the council’s plans and the lived experiences of tenants and owners.

This kind of collaboration is crucial. Decisions about housing shouldn’t be made in a vacuum, especially when they affect so many lives. The consultation process shows that Aberdeen City Council recognises the importance of involving residents in shaping their own futures.

At its core, this consultation is about more than just eight buildings. It’s about the broader challenges facing cities like Aberdeen as they grapple with ageing housing stock, rising energy standards, and the pressures of providing quality homes amidst tight budgets.

These multi-storeys aren’t just blocks of flats; they’re communities. They represent decades of history and thousands of lives lived within their walls. Whatever the council decides, it’s not just a question of concrete and steel, it’s about people, their homes, and their futures.

As Aberdeen waits for the next steps, the debate around these multi-storeys is unlikely to fade. Residents have spoken, but their voices are just one piece of the puzzle. The council now faces the daunting task of balancing immediate needs with long-term sustainability, all while ensuring the people who live in these blocks feel heard and supported.

The "do-minimum" approach might win the day, but the bigger question will remain: is it really enough? For now, it’s a waiting game, but one thing is certain, Aberdeen’s housing future is at a crossroads, and the decisions made here could shape the city for decades to come.