City Centre Projects Newsletter

Union Street Central Streetscape: Progress Update – March 2026     

Work continued across three main areas during March, with visible progress on the footways, cycle path, and the early stages of the Union Bridge phase.

In the East Section, activity focused on the north footway where the team carried out infill and grouting works and prepared the concrete surface along the cycle path. Work also began on forming the new bus islands and the foundations for the future bus stops. Snagging works at Black Sheep Coffee were completed, along with the installation of the new events pillar in this area.

In the Centre Section, works progressed on both sides of the street. On the north footway, improvements continued at Smith’s Screen in front of Union Kirk, including installation of new duct crossings beneath the cycle path. On the south side, the team continued setting carriageway setts and kerbs and installing paving slabs. Paving work outside Primark and the Trinity Centre doorways was completed during the month.

In the West Section, enabling works began at Union Bridge. Welfare units were relocated to St Nicholas Street, boundary fencing was erected to form the safe working area, and planing began on the bridge deck to prepare for the next phase of construction.

As works progress, buried structures are continuing to be found under both the north and south footways. These discoveries can affect the pace of work, but standard engineering solutions are now in place to help manage these findings and reduce delay to the wider programme.

Excavation work at St Nicholas Kirk, Back Wynd and carriageway setts heading west along Union Street

 

Union Street Central Streetscape: What’s Next – April 2026

In April, work will continue to move westward along Union Street, with several key activities planned.

In the East Section, the team will install the new cycle path from Market Street towards Correction Wynd. Work will also begin on installing the new permanent pedestrian crossing at Market Street, supporting safer movement through this part of the city.

In the Centre Section, carriageway sett installation will continue between Back Wynd and Belmont Street. On the south footway, slabs within the Union Bridge work zone will be removed ahead of waterproofing the bridge deck. On the north footway, the paving slab installation at Smith’s Screen will be completed, alongside installing the infrastructure for the new events pillar at Back Wynd. The team will also start forming the new cycle path between Correction Wynd and Back Wynd.

Union Bridge deck removal ahead of waterproofing and installing the new surfacing

 

Union Bridge Waterproofing Works – Important Notice

Please note that we will be undertaking early-stage waterproofing work on the south footway adjacent to the bridge deck on 16 and 17 April 2026.

Bridge deck waterproofing involves the application of a specialist resin system, which can produce strong, distinctive odours during application. These smells can be pungent and may be noticeable for a short period. We would therefore encourage nearby shops and businesses to keep doors closed while works are taking place.

The waterproofing product is widely used across construction and infrastructure projects, as well as in other industries including healthcare All works will be carried out in line with UK health and safety guidance, including strict controls on ventilation, storage and application.

What might you notice?

• A temporary smell during the application process
• Once the product has cured the smell fades

How is safety managed?

To protect everyone on and around the site:

• Only trained and authorised contractors will apply the product
• Works are taking place outside
• Materials are handled and stored safely

Overall, these waterproofing works are a well-established, tightly controlled process and are commonly used on infrastructure projects like Union Bridge.

How can you find out more?

Visit our Waterproofing frequently asked questions page by scanning the code below

Alternatively, if you have any other questions or would prefer us to email this to you please email us:

Streetscape-market@morrisonconstruction.co.uk

New Aberdeen Market: Progress Update – March 2026   

Work at the new Aberdeen Market continued at pace throughout March, with strong progress across both the internal and external areas of the building. External works in East Green resumed, and the revised foul sewer connections were completed. The new foundation for the Market Street arch was also finished, marking a key milestone for the public realm at the southern entrance to the site.

Roof works advanced well, with insulation and top sheets lifted into position by crane. Mechanical and electrical work continued on the street level, including the start of the sprinkler installation. Joinery progressed on the street level and began on the upper level as more areas were opened up. Masonry work continued across several parts of the building, supported by the ongoing erection of the internal birdcage scaffold. Acoustic spray works were completed, and remedial paintwork to the steel frame also began. In the roof space, installation of the syphonic drainage system got underway.

Externally, curtain walling and glazing along Union Street reached completion, giving the public a clear sense of the Market’s emerging appearance.

View along East Green and new walkway

In April, the focus will shift to completing key internal elements and preparing the building for the next stage of its fit-out. The internal birdcage scaffold will be finished, allowing high-level work to progress safely. Roof works will continue through the month, including the removal of temporary roof nets as permanent materials are installed.

Along East Green, the team will build the blockwork base course and install new scaffolding to support the next phase of external works. High-level thermal break partitions will begin, alongside continued remedial painting and further activities within the roof space. Masonry work, first-fix joinery and mechanical and electrical installations will all continue, while insulation to the soffit slabs in the service areas will progress throughout April.

External views of the new Aberdeen Market from The Green and Market Street

What’s next?

Work at the Castlegate moved into its early construction phase during March, with activity focused on preparing the area for the main works ahead. Site set-up began on 11 March, with fencing installed around the work zone and welfare facilities established for the team. During the week beginning 16 March, the team carried out trial holes to confirm the position of underground services. This information helps plan the next stages safely and reduces the likelihood of unexpected disruption once construction increases.

Removal works around the Gordon Highlander statue began on 23 March, and the statue was safely taken off site on 26 March to protect it during the improvement works. Towards the end of the month, work also began on lifting the existing surface slabs. These slabs are being kept for reuse, with some already set aside for Aberdeen University and other local groups.

Site boundary fencing

While this early phase may not appear highly visible, it plays an essential role in preparing a historic location for construction. Much of the effort at this stage involves planning, inspections and coordinated discussions with utility providers to help minimise disruption  for  local  businesses, residents and visitors as the project.

Preparation work before removal to a secure location

During April and May, activity on site will become more noticeable as utility diversion works and early construction tasks begin. CityFibre plan to start their upgrade work week commencing 13 April, SSE are expected to start their diversion work on 15 April, followed by Scottish Gas works starting week commencing 27 April. Vodafone will begin their works soon, and their activity will be brought into the programme once their start dates are confirmed.

Work will also start around the Mercat Cross to protect the historic structure before construction moves into this area. Drainage installation will begin as part of the wider upgrades, along with preparations for a new pedestrian crossing on King Street, which remains subject to final design. These early steps are essential to ensuring the main construction works can progress smoothly into the summer months.

Union Bridge Waterproofing Works: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Why does the waterproofing product smell?

The product has a strong, distinctive smell while it is being applied. Smelling it does not mean it is unsafe.

How long will the smell last?

The smell is usually noticeable only during application and for a short period afterwards. Once the product has cured (typically within about an hour), the odour reduces significantly or disappears.

Will it affect nearby residents, building users or the public?

Any exposure outside the immediate work area is expected to be minimal and temporary. The work will be managed to avoid wider impacts wherever possible.

What if it gets on people’s windows – can it be cleaned off?

Yes. If any of the waterproofing material accidentally gets onto windows or glass surfaces, it can be cleaned off, particularly if it is dealt with promptly. The work has been planned to prevent overspray or splashes, and protective measures such as screening and controlled application methods are used to avoid affecting nearby surfaces.

If any accidental contact does occur:

• Before the material cures, it can be wiped off and cleaned using appropriate cleaning
• Once cured, it adheres more strongly, but specialist cleaners and methods can still remove it without damaging the glass.

Our contractors routinely deal with this type of product and are responsible for ensuring surrounding surfaces are left clean and undamaged.

 

Is this type of product commonly used?

Yes. Similar materials are widely used across construction, transport infrastructure and other sectors, including medical and industrial settings.

Who can I contact if I have concerns?

If you have any questions during the works, please contact the project team at:

streetscape-market@morrisonconstruction.co.uk