Pupils' Union Square artwork to go on display

Artwork by three primary school pupils from Aberdeen will go on display to the public thanks to a competition organised by Miller Construction, Hammerson and Stagecoach.

The art contest was organised as work continues on the £250million Union Square development, currently being built by Miller Construction.

The pupils aged 4-11, all of whom attended Victoria Road Primary School Holiday Club, were asked to come up with designs reflecting the themes which underpin Union Square - retail, leisure and transport.

Craig Giblett, Project Manager, Miller Construction, said: “The standard of the artwork submitted was very high and we are delighted with the hard work the pupils put in. This competition is just one of a number of community-based initiatives taking place ahead of Union Square’s completion and it has been a great success.”

Entries were whittled down to three finalists – Alana Simpson (11), Stephen Smith (9) and Jodi Ewan (4) – with Alana scooping the top prize. Her winning design is now on display on the back of five Stagecoach buses where it will remain for the next month.

Alana and her fellow finalists will also have their paintings reproduced on vinyl and displayed within the new ticket centre which was built earlier this year by Miller Construction.

Penny Godfrey, Marketing Manager, Hammerson, said: “One of our key objectives is to involve the local community in our new development and the art competition provided an ideal opportunity to do so.”

Angela Lennox, Victoria Road Primary School Holiday Club co-ordinator, said: “The pupils thoroughly enjoyed being involved in such an exciting competition linked to the new Union Square development, and the winners are especially delighted that their artwork will be on public display.

“We would like to thank Hammerson, Miller Construction and Stagecoach for providing the kids with such a wonderful opportunity.”

Union Square is set for competition in autumn 2009.

ENDS

Notes to editors:

Union Square is a £250million mixed-use, regeneration scheme creating a new retail and leisure quarter for Aberdeen. Developed by Hammerson, the scheme includes 56 retail units comprising a range of national and international brands, up to 12 restaurants and cafés, a 203 bed hotel and 10 screen multiplex, set to be Aberdeen’s largest cinema. The scheme will also provide visitors with a new civic square. Union Square will be Aberdeen's most accessible retail and leisure offer with 1,700 car parking spaces, easily reached from all major routes and integrated with the city's bus and rail stations – providing a gateway to the region and encouraging sustainable travel to the city.

Miller Construction:

Miller Construction is part of the Miller Group – the UK’s largest privately-owned housebuilding, property development and construction businesses. For more information visit www.construction.miller.co.uk.

For further information
Lesley McIvor
Beattie Communications
01324 602 552