Aberdeen has appointed Insignia Hotels to assess the market response for such a hotel, for development in June 2002.

Aberdeen Director James Salmon said: 'Redevelopment of Tower C as a hotel would support the Council in its '20/20 Vision' initiative to achieve mixed use activities in the central business district. We believe that a hotel would bring a further welcome element to the office and retail environment.'

Chris Rouse, director of Insignia Hotel Partners, is keen for the scheme to go ahead. He said: 'The Whitgift Shopping Centre, with 1.25 million sf of retail, is one of the best known destination shopping locations in the UK and would provide fantastic visibility for a branded hotel. The indications are positive for a good quality hotel development of up to 200 rooms and we believe that there will be very attractive synergies between the hotel, the office use and the shopping complex.'