Demonstrating the depth and accessibility of the City Square Project consultation process it has been revealed that more than 7,500 people have shown an interest or registered their opinion about the proposals.
Participation in the City Square Consultation looks set to be one of the highest in Scotland. Already, and with almost two weeks still to run, official participation is higher than consultation on the Forth Crossing, GARL and Edinburgh Trams.
Commenting on the unprecedented participation rates, a spokesman for the City Square Project said: “Already over 7500 people have been involved in the consultation by responding to our consultation leaflet via a freepost address, filling in the online survey form or visiting one of our exhibitions. From the huge response received so far it is clear that people know how to get involved.
“The consultation process for the City Square Project not only follows but exceeds best practice guidelines. We have created many opportunities for people to get involved, be that by freephone, text, postal survey, online survey, 8 public exhibitions and 9 focus groups. Information about how to get involved has been widely advertised in the media, through mail drops to local households in the vicinity of Union Terrace Gardens, and posters in community centres and libraries.
“At the conclusion of the consultation we will compile all the information and produce a very detailed and transparent consultation report. As far as possible, within data protection laws, we will publish the raw consultation data and we will provide an analysis of comment trends and the feedback received.
“This report will be used to decide whether there is enough support to take the project to the next stage. Crucially the report will also provide ACSEF with valuable information to help the design of the scheme if it is to progress.”
The public have also been represented at focus groups to which almost 200 different sectors and organisations have been invited, including the arts community, charities, businesses, hotel and bar trade, festival organisers, music groups, schools, housing associations, senior citizens forums, clubs, community councils, youth projects, utility providers, transport groups, disability organisations, civic societies, MSPs and councillors.
