The current route on Greyhope Road to reach Torry Battery and Greyhope Centre and Café is to close to general traffic but will remain open to pedestrians, cyclists, and one-way vehicle access to the allotments.
The closure is due to risks to the existing road of instability in the nearby coastal slopes.
A ‘new’ route will be via the south side of Greyhope Road at the St Fitticks Road/Coast Road junction and will wind its way around the coast past Girdleness Lighthouse before reaching Torry Battery, a scheduled monument which was built in 1860 to protect the port and harbour of Aberdeen from sea-borne attack. A weight restriction will apply from Girdleness Lighthouse to Torry Battery.
Aberdeen City Council Co-Leader Councillor Christian Allard said: “Torry Battery and neighbouring Greyhope Bay centre and café are a favourite spot with many people, offering unparalleled views of the city and harbour while being one of the best places in the country to spot dolphins by the shore.
“We want to ensure a route remains to this well-loved and well-used area and while the new access for vehicles might take a little longer, it will go past picturesque Girdleness Lighthouse before reaching Torry Battery.
“Closing the current access route to general traffic will mean it will be quieter and safer for pedestrian and cyclists to use to get to Torry Battery and Greyhope Centre and Café – people will be most welcome to walk or use their bikes to the area.”
Fiona McIntyre, Chief Executive and founder of Greyhope Centre and Café, said: “The road access changes to the Greyhope Bay Centre will ensure safety of our visitors and support active travel, including pedestrian and cycle access while maintaining access by car through a scenic route.
“We are working closely with Aberdeen City Council to include this work as part of a long term access plan for Torry Battery and the extension of our facilities at this historic site."
The ‘new’ route to the Battery and Café had been closed to general traffic for several years while Aberdeen South Harbour was built as it was used for the construction.
It will be opened on Friday 14 June 2024 and the current route will close to motorists on the same date.