![Marischal College [Pic: Undiscovered Scotland]](http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/44005000/jpg/_44005816_marischalundisc203300.jpg) Costs of the new HQ have gone up by �40m |
Aberdeen City Council has voted in favour of continuing with controversial plans to adapt Marischal College into its new corporate headquarters. Councillors voted by 23 votes to eight to endorse a decision taken by former council members in 2005.
Councillors also capped the project's costs at �80.4m, a rise of almost �40m on the original budget.
Members decided on Marischal rather than moving to a greenfield site or redeveloping the existing HQ.
The vote was carried after the ruling Lib Dem and SNP administration were supported by the Conservatives.
'Sell-by date'
In a statement, the local authority defended the rising cost of the project blaming construction industry inflation, environmentally sustainable, and the demands of installing new IT systems.
The council's move to Marischal College would pave the way for the demolition of the current headquarters at St Nicholas House.
Deputy council leader Kevin Stewart said: "St Nicholas House was built in 1966 with a 30-year lifespan.
"It is now in its 41st year. Our staff are working in a building that is past its sell-by date.
"I would hate to have to work in that building on a daily basis. We owe it to our staff to create a decent working environment in our corporate headquarters."
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