Aberdeen City Centre & Beach Master Plan Update – Week Commencing 4 November 2024

 Project Works – Union Street Central

The installation of road drainage gullies and their associated connection pipes have been completed on the first section of works. The concrete slab below the road surface has been cut into sections and will be removed over the next four weeks along with the preparation for installing a reinforced kerb log, which provides structural support to the road surface and maintains the integrity of the pavement. Concrete pouring will then begin for the new kerb log and new concrete slab in the carriageway.

Advance excavations will also commence with a 35-metre trial trench in the area between Jamieson & Carry and Primark. This is being carried out in the centre of the street, behind heras panel fencing and will allow the site team to identify any unknown utility services in advance of the main construction activity later. While these investigations are under way, the site team will install the main drainage pipe in the trench, which will help reduce the timescale for later construction activity.

Authorised vehicles will still be able to travel one-way, west to east, along Union Street during these works.

Project Works – Market

The site boundary has been successfully extended to the pavement on the south side of Hadden Street. Preparations for installing welfare cabins for the site team have been carried out along with setting up essential on-site infrastructure. Work is also under way on new lift and escalator pits, which are specially constructed spaces for housing essential machinery, providing structural support and ensuring safe operation.

Over the next four weeks, the site team will continue concreate repairs and modifications to the former British Home Stores building and the foundation slab and existing walls of the former Market building. They also being the reinforcement and waterproofing of the former Market foundation slab.

Project Works – Beach

Site establishment works, including setting up welfare cabins, continue and are due to be completed week commencing 18 November 2024. Earthworks are progressing on Broadhill as per the programme. Earthworks are also progressing on the Events park. Removal of vegetation around the site perimeter on the Esplanade will commence this week.

Project Works – Castlegate 

Temporary resurfacing works commenced week beginning 4 November and are expected to be complete over the next 6 weeks, weather permitting.  The temporary surface is the most cost effective way to ensure public safety and will remain in place until the new streetscape project commences on site in summer 2025.

Engagement and communications 

The engagement teams for the Union Street Central, Market and Beach projects continue to work with businesses and residents to address any queries or concerns they may have on issues such as deliveries, parking and traffic management.

Extra Open for Business signage is being installed around the Market site and reviewed. The overhead Open for Business signage on Union Street Central is being replaced with the city centre Christmas lights. Additional signage requirements continue to be assessed.

Work to provide temporary road surfacing repairs to the Castlegate will begin this week. These works will improve the safety of the current surface around the Mercat Cross.