Aberdeen bus HQ plans submitted

The earlier Woodside plans had sparked resident protests

Transport giant FirstGroup has submitted detailed plans for its new £10m global headquarters at its existing site in Aberdeen.

The company withdrew earlier plans for an HQ in Woodside, blaming rising costs and uncertainty due to the protracted approval process.

King Street is now set to be the location for the major development after Aberdeen beat off UK competition.

The plans were submitted to Aberdeen City Council on Monday.

The company received offers from around the UK for the HQ but wanted to remain in Aberdeen.

Company growing

FirstGroup hopes to start work on the site in the middle of 2007.

Moir Lockhead, FirstGroup's chief executive, told BBC Scotland: "I do not think we really wanted to move out of Aberdeen, I always wanted to stay, this is where we started.

"The King Street site has provided a good site for the past 20 years.

"The company is growing year on year, we can do it from Aberdeen which is fantastic."

The development is expected to feature energy saving and sustainability measures.

The earlier Woodside plans had sparked protests from residents concerned about congestion.