The UK-wide ‘Secured by Design’ scheme, assesses developments and buildings to ensure they meet approved security standards around crime prevention and the creation of a safe environment and Marischal Square has picked up a ‘Gold’ award within weeks of opening to the public.

Safer Communities Inspector Colin Taylor said: "We are delighted to be presenting the Secured by Design Award to the new Marischal Square development in Aberdeen.  The award recognises crime prevention measures which are built into the design of new properties and restorations, and evidence shows that building in these measures from the outset makes them sustainable year-on-year and can lead to significant reductions in crime and anti-social behaviour.

“Marischal Square is an exciting development for the city and we look forward to continuing to work with our partners to ensure safety and security is at the forefront."

Marischal Square is being delivered by urban regeneration specialists Muse Developments, working with site landowner Aberdeen City Council with Aviva Investors providing the project funding.

Aberdeen City Council licencing board convener, Councillor Marie Boulton, picked up the award on behalf of the project partners and said: “Safety is very important part of the design of any new building and it was particularly important to ensure that it was an integral part of Marischal Square, which will help the regeneration of the east end of the city centre.

“It is fantastic that Marischal Square has been given this award from Police Scotland and we will continue to work with them and other partners to ensure safety and security are a priority.”

Councillor Boulton was accompanied at the presentation ceremony by Steve Turner, Regional Director, Scotland, Muse Developments and Tom Witherall, Assistant Fund Manager, REaLM at Aviva Investors.

Marischal Square will deliver an economic boost to the immediate area from enhanced footfall and more people working and using leisure facilities.  The development includes two city centre office buildings providing 173,500 sq ft of Grade ‘A’ office space with secure parking, seven restaurants and café bars occupying the ground floor space and a 126-room Residence Inn by Marriott.

Leading commercial property agents Ryden and CBRE act for the Muse Developments team on the Marischal Square project.