Aberdeen City Centre and Beach Master Plan Update

9 February 2026

Project Works – Union Street Central 

Works have been progressing across the east and central sections of the site, including finding four old basement arches on the east side of the north footway. These were addressed to allow new paving and hard landscaping to progress safely.

Both temporary pedestrian crossings were relocated to allow the next phase of improvements to progress, and it is planned they will be moved back to their original position later this month.

Looking ahead, the remaining remedial works outside the Black Sheep coffee shop will be finished along with completing a new events pillar. Works on the south footway will progress towards the Northern Diamond premises and traffic will shortly be switched over on the central north section to allow works around the Smith Screen at the St Nicholas churchyard.

Work will also begin on the west section of the south footway in front of the Trinity Centre by removing the old tar surface in preparation for the next stage of construction.

The site offices currently located on the Union Bridge will be moved to a new location in St Nicholas Street in preparation for works to begin on the bridge section.

Project Works – Market

Work has been continuing to make the new building a weather-tight structure with the roof panels installation ongoing while concrete works to the suspended floor slabs were completed.

Several new phases have now started with mechanical and electrical works commencing alongside joinery and the installation of the curtain walling.

The installation of the glass frontage at the Union Street entrance is expected to begin in the next few weeks while external scaffolding installation around the outside of the new building will also be completed, which will allow internal access scaffolding to be installed.

The roof works and internal preparation works will continue while below ground works in the East Green will continue towards completion including a concrete foundation for the market arch.

Project Works – Beach 

Progress continues across all parts of the beach park site with more sections of the unique centrepiece play structure and equipment being installed.

The framework for the eight-storey play tower is due to be delivered shortly and the installation will begin as soon as practicable.

This play structure is a bespoke piece of equipment, the likes of which has never been seen before in Scotland. The installation of all the sections will be complex and challenging, but the result will be a special feature which will delight users for generations to come.

There has been substantial progress on the amphitheatre seating steps in the events field while work continues fitting out the new buildings across the site. Several elements of new play equipment have also been installed as well as soft landscaping across the area.

The current traffic restrictions on Links Road at the Beach Boulevard, during works to reconfigure the junction, are expected to be completed on Friday 13 February and drivers will then be able to resume turning right from the Beach Boulevard on to Links Road and head south to access the retail park, under temporary traffic lights.

The demolition of the former Beach Leisure Centre is progressing with the former flumes tower now dismantled and works should be completed within the next few weeks.

Project Works – Castlegate 

The main contractor for this project, Morrison Construction, will take possession of the site on Monday 2 March. Utility services, including water, gas, electricity and telecoms, must carry out works on diversions and checking their services before the main construction works can begin.

Morrison Construction will first make the site secure and install site cabins for the welfare and safety of the workforce. Access to all businesses and premises on the Castlegate will be maintained throughout the works.

The first phase of the streetscape improvements will begin on the south footway area of the Castlegate. The works are due to be completed in the summer of 2027.