Progress continues to be made on major construction works across Aberdeen as part of the £150million City Centre and Beach Masterplan (CCBMP), a committee heard today.
The updates to the Council’s Finance and Resources Committee included that the start of works to the Castlegate will take place immediately after the Tall Ships event finishes in July this year, and updates to continuing works to Union Street Central and the beachfront.
Finance and Resources Committee convener Councillor Alex McLellan said: “Aberdeen City Council is investing in the significant transformation of the city centre and beachfront to make place people want to live, work, study, do business or invest.
“The Castlegate works will be running alongside the existing construction taking place on Union Street and the beachfront and, once finished, these developments will make a major difference to the city and ensure our city centre is a place both residents and visitors can continue to enjoy.”
Councillor Ian Yuill, Co-leader said: “The city centre and beach areas will be significantly improved through the agreed construction works. These are major investments to upgrade the city for the benefit of all.
“The beachfront will experience its biggest redevelopment for 35 years. The new facilities will offer amazing new facilities to young people, families and individuals of all ages. The aim is to make the city centre and beach a more attractive and desirable place for all to enjoy.”
The report to committee said the works to the Castlegate will mean it will play an important part in delivery of the city’s events programme, capable of hosting a range of small-scale events, as well as being an important gateway to the beach. The project comprises public realm and streetscaping improvements including street furniture, public art, improved lighting, enhanced street greening, and an active travel route towards the beachfront.
An area of loose flagstones has been lifted in the area and replaced with a temporary tarmac surface for public safety. Further site investigation works will take place so the main construction works can start after the Tall Ships event in July 2025.
The report said the works to Union Street Central will mean the space will be reapportioned in favour of walking, wheeling, and riding users, and public transport whilst still allowing for service vehicle access. It includes a new two-way 3m wide cycle track on the north side, public seating at key locations, and will offer welcoming amenity to all and opportunities for rest for the less able whilst encouraging a wide range of visitors to the city centre.
The report said since the start of the project, there has been additional works associated with the removal of tram sleepers embedded within the existing concrete basecourse and an undocumented redundant water main.
The report said practical completion of phase A of the beachfront works – including a beach park, events park, and Broad Hill – should be reached in late summer 2026.The core play park will create a focus for activity and will act as a key ‘gateway’ into the wider park and the beach.
The Events Park is intended as a flexible space capable of holding events including festivals, larger concerts and gatherings. The Field will be the central focus of this area, semi-enclosed by woodland planting, providing definition and increased shelter.
The vision for Broadhill is to enhance the natural environment of this distinctive feature through additional planting, furthering the diversity of habitat, and ecological value.
The report said works on site to all areas progressing on programme. The updates include:
Beach park:
- Drainage well progressed;
- Foundations work has started on the canopy and gateway building;
- The hub building consents are now in place;
- Superstructure orders are being procured by the contractor.
Events field:
- Drainage is well progressed across the area;
- Canopy foundations are in place;
- Amphitheatre foundations have started;
- Car park drainage and formation work is complete.
Broadhill:
- Access steps from Links Road are in place and moving towards completion;
- Seating and viewing points are due for installation over the next month;
- Landscaping work has started.
The £150million commitment by Aberdeen City Council towards the City Centre and Beach Master Plan includes major improvement works underway at Union Street Central, the new market building, and at the city's beach area. They will create vibrant and accessible areas to help make the city a destination of choice for the benefit of residents, visitors, and businesses.