Frequently asked questions about Generation Aberdeen and the Masterplans.
CITY CENTRE
How does the planning process work?
All projects currently being developed will follow the ACC standard Town Planning process. Information on the process and statutory consultation can be found at: www.aberdeencity.gov.uk/services/planning-and-building-standards/planning-applications. That said, the streetscape projects are not subject to the planning process as they are deemed to be permitted development. The only exception to this is for Belmont Street where the potential external dining shelters would be subject to planning.
What stage of the planning process are you currently at?
The streetscape projects are not subject to the planning process as they are deemed to be permitted development. The only exception to this is for Belmont Street where the potential external dining shelters would be subject to planning. As noted on recent ACC media posts, a planning application was recently submitted (August 2023) for the Beachfront Phase A developments.
What is the City Centre and Beach Masterplan, and how does it affect the City Centre?
Our vision is to create a world class City Centre and Beach that respects and enhances Aberdeen’s unique qualities and characteristics and puts people at its heart. The masterplans have four broad objectives to support economy, inclusion, net zero and be of a quality that reflects our world class aspirations whilst respecting Aberdeen’s characteristics. The original city centre masterplan was adopted in 2015 and has delivered many excellent projects such as the award winning Art Gallery refurbishment and Union Terrace Gardens. However, to respond to the impact of covid, in 2021 the Council asked the people of Aberdeen to help prioritise where investment should go. The responses of nearly 8,000 people have resulted in a masterplan being created for the beach and an updated combined City Centre and Beach Masterplan being progressed.
Why does Aberdeen need a City Centre and Beach Masterplan?
The mandate to prepare a masterplan & development framework for the beach came from a significant public engagement exercise undertaken between June- July 2021 on The Future of Aberdeen City Centre and the Beach to which there were 7,697 responses, the largest response that the council has received to any such consultation. Aberdeen citizens prioritised a number of interventions – including the beach – that it wants the Council to progress.
How will the masterplan and any potential development projects be funded?
This will depend on what is carried out and in what order. There is an approved budget, but this will need to be regularly reviewed as more detailed design is undertaken.
How long will the masterplan take to be implemented?
The streetscape projects are currently planned as a phased ‘rolling’ programme which should complete in 2029.
Who will be delivering the masterplan for the City Centre?
The overall City Centre and Beach Masterplan is being developed by ACC in partnership with Hub North Scotland who are ACC’s appointed development and procurement partner.
What are the environmental credentials of the current proposals?
Whilst the streetscape projects are not subject to planning as deemed permitted development, a Habitats Regulation Appraisal was undertaken as best practice. Material selection considers local procurement where possible rather than overseas delivery.
How do I invest in the city centre and how do I get an empty shop front?
With regard to investing in Aberdeen and the region there is a lot of information to be found:
https://investaberdeen.co.uk/
The Aberdeen City Council Asset Management team can be contacted directly to enquire about any vacant Council owned property. There is a search function on the website which can be accessed here:
https://www.aberdeencity.gov.uk/services/business-and-licensing/property-search
I’m an artist or community group. I want to do an event or installation in an empty space, is that possible?
The Aberdeen City Council Asset Management team can be contacted directly to enquire about any vacant Council owned property. There is a search function on the website which can be accessed here:
https://www.aberdeencity.gov.uk/services/business-and-licensing/property-search
How will future developments affect transport in the city centre?
Within the city centre, the proposed changes will make it easier and safer for people to move around by walking, wheeling, cycling and public transport, and result in a less polluted city centre environment. While there will be a significant reduction in general traffic to the city centre, access will still be possible to all properties, car parks and other destinations. However in some cases the routes that cars can take to get to these destinations will change.
Will the culture and heritage of the city centre be protected?
The culture and heritage of the city centre will be protected through the sympathic design and selection of materials. The proposed material palette is largely consistent across the whole of the city centre masterplan and responds to the existing character and materiality of Aberdeen, ensuring the historic character is preserved and celebrated. Consistent materiality will help tie the city centre together as a cohesive place, while special moments celebrate the unique characteristics of key spaces.
Why is the masterplan a priority over other issues such as poverty?
The Council is not prioritising the Masterplan over other issues such as poverty. The Partnership Agreement clearly sets out it’s ambitions; one of which is delivery of the Masterplan. Tackling issues such as poverty, housing, education etc are included in equal measure. In other words no single ambition is being prioritised at the expense of others.
Is there a stakeholder engagement strategy in place to raise local awareness and public engagement?
There is a stakeholder engagement strategy that was approved by the Council’s masterplan board in April 2022. It is regularly updated to reflect current activitiy. This sets out how individual projects within the masterplans will be consulted and engaged on. The Council’s communications team is resposible for awarness raising of the masterplan.
How will the council ensure that those who are harder to reach are actively engaged throughout the process?
We work closely with the Council’s equalities team to ensure we are being as proactive as possible to reach those who are seldom heard. We have created a stakeholder forum and sought representation on it from a range of diverse groups to esnure all citizens are respresented.
Will I be given the opportunity to have my say on what happens to the city centre?
Engagement is an interative and ongoing process and we seek feedback at key points in the design and implemnetation of projects. In addition, people can contact the team at any point through ccmp@aberdeencity.gov.uk
BEACHFRONT
How does the planning process work?
All projects currently being developed will follow the ACC standard Town Planning process. Information on the process and statutory consultation can be found at: www.aberdeencity.gov.uk/services/planning-and-building-standards/planning-applications
What stage of the planning process are you currently at?
The streetscape projects are not subject to the planning process as they are deemed to be permitted development. The only exception to this is for Belmont Street where the potential external dining shelters would be subject to planning. As noted on recent ACC media posts, a planning application was recently submitted (August 2023) for the Beachfront Phase A developments.
What is the City Centre and Beach Masterplan, and how does it affect the Beach?
Our vision is to create a world class City Centre and Beach that respects and enhances Aberdeen’s unique qualities and characteristics and puts people at its heart. The masterplans have four broad objectives to support economy, inclusion, net zero and be of a quality that reflects our world class aspirations whilst respecting Aberdeen’s characteristics. The original city centre masterplan was adopted in 2015 and has delivered many excellent projects such as the award winning Art Gallery refurbishment and Union Terrace Gardens. However, to respond to the impact of covid, in 2021 the Council asked the people of Aberdeen to help prioritise where investment should go. The responses of nearly 8,000 people have resulted in a masterplan being created for the beach and an updated combined City Centre and Beach Masterplan being progressed
Why does Aberdeen need a City Centre and Beach Masterplan?
The mandate to prepare a masterplan & development framework for the beach came from a significant public engagement exercise undertaken between June- July 2021 on The Future of Aberdeen City Centre and the Beach to which there were nearly 8000 responses, the largest response that the council has received to any such consultation. Aberdeen citizens prioritised a number of interventions – including the beach – that it wants the Council to progress.
How will the masterplan and any potential development projects be funded?
This will depend on what is carried out and in what order. There is an approved budget, but this will need to be regularly reviewed as more detailed design is undertaken.
What is the timeline for the Beach development?
Projects at the Beachfront will be delivered in a phased manner with Phase A (Events Field, Amphitheatre, Gateway Building, Broadhill and Sports Area, Pump Track, Part Play Parks)
What evaluation has the council done to assess the impact on the environment?
As part of the Development Framework. A Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) has been carried out, this is the systematic review of plans, programmes, and strategies to ensure that environmental issues are considered throughout the preparation, implementation, monitoring, and review of these key documents. The aim of SEA is to achieve better integration of environmental considerations at the heart of decision-making through a more rigorous and transparent planning
process. In addition, due to the location of the proposed works, in proximity to the Ythan Estuary, Sands of Forvie and Meikle Loch Special Protection Area (SPA) and River Dee Special Area of Conservation (SAC), a European designated (Natura 2000) site, a Habitats Regulations Appraisal (HRA) is also required.
The HRA will assess potential impacts to the sites’ qualifying features associated with the proposed works, including identifying any mitigation measures necessary to avoid, reduce or offset negative effects. The assessment will be completed in accordance with the approach outlined in ‘Habitats Regulations Appraisal of Plans Guidance for Plan-Making Bodies in Scotland’.
Where will I park in the area if you are removing parking spaces?
The Development Framework recognises the requirement for parking and notes that many visitors to the beachfront area travel from origins outside of Aberdeen. There is considerable potential for those who wish to travel to the area by car to make use of established park and ride sites on the city’s periphery and the emerging public transport strategy anticipates that these sites can be better connected to the beachfront by local bus services in due course.
At the beachfront itself, the intention is that the Esplanade, to the north and south of the new urban park will remain accessible for kerbside parking with some additional capacity provided at Links Road and Beach Boulevard. Some limited off-street parking will be attributed to new / redeveloped buildings (including a new leisure facility and possible new stadium) within the area, albeit the preference will be that car parking spaces would be allocated on a needs basis where possible.
How will the developments affect Codonas Amusement Park?
The development should not impact negatively on the existing Cadonas Amusement Park. Engagement is underway between Cadonas and ACC.
Are there going to be efforts made to make the beach more accessible?
The Development Framework sets out to better connect the beachfront area to the King Street corridor and city centre. We are proposing significant enhancement to pedestrian and cycle connectivity, with improved bus routes. Through traffic (trips using the Esplanade) would be removed, resulting in reduced traffic flow and a calmer, safer environment. Overall, access to the beachfront will be enhanced, removing the sense that it is detached or remote from the city centre and its facilities. The proposals are consistent with other projects in the city, including the LEZ, the City Centre Masterplan and various bus priority projects.
Why is the masterplan a priority over other issues such as poverty?
The Council is not prioritising the Masterplan over other issues such as poverty. The Partnership Agreement clearly sets out it’s ambitions; one of which is delivery of the Masterplan. Tackling issues such as poverty, housing, education etc are included in equal measure. In other words no single ambition is being prioritised at the expense of others.
How will future developments affect transport to the beach?
TO not THROUGH – The beachfront should be a place to travel TO not THROUGH. The removal of through traffic will encourage more walking and cycling activity and space taken up by roads can be used by those who wish to spend time AT the beachfront. Traffic modelling shows that through traffic can be accommodated on other routes around the city.
Will there be additional parking at the beach?
Unknown at this stage.
Is there a stakeholder engagement strategy in place to raise local awareness and public engagement?
There is a stakeholder engagement strategy that was approved by the Council’s masterplan board in April 2022. It is regularly updated to reflect current activitiy. This sets out how individual projects within the masterplans will be consulted and engaged on. The Council’s communications team is resposible for awarness raising of the masterplan.
How will the council ensure that those who are harder to reach are actively engaged throughout the process?
We work closely with the Council’s equalities team to ensure we are being as proactive as possible to reach those who are seldom heard. We have created a stakeholder forum and sought representation on it from a range of diverse groups to esnure all citizens are respresented.
Will I be given the opportunity to have my say on what happens to the Beach?
Engagement is an interative and ongoing process and we seek feedback at key points in the design and implementation of the streetscape project. In addition, people can contact the team at any point through ccmp@aberdeencity.gov.uk.
MARKET
Why does Aberdeen need a City Centre and Beach Masterplan?
The mandate to prepare a masterplan & development framework for the beach came from a significant public engagement exercise undertaken between June- July 2021 on The Future of Aberdeen City Centre and the Beach to which there were 7,697 responses, the largest response that the council has received to any such consultation. Aberdeen citizens prioritised a number of interventions – including the beach – that it wants the Council to progress.
How does the planning process work?
All projects currently being developed will follow the ACC standard Town Planning process. Information on the process and statutory consultation can be found at: www.aberdeencity.gov.uk/services/planning-and-building-standards/planning-applications
What stage of the planning process are you currently at?
Planning has been granted for the Market.
What is the plan for the Marketplace?
The proposal is to develop the site with attractive market-style floorspace to create a destination venue featuring ‘International style’ food & drink outlets. It is envisioned that commercial marketplace elements would promote local produce and goods alongside continental style delicatessen, cafes and food outlets. The design will feature a mixture of fixed units of various sizes alongside space for temporary and pop-up facilities and will include an external event space which would allow for increased variety and be flexible to seasonal requirements.
How will the masterplan and any potential development projects be funded?
This will depend on what is carried out and in what order. There is an approved budget, but this will need to be regularly reviewed as more detailed design is undertaken. The Market project has received Leveling Up Funding from central Government.
What are the council’s intentions for the market area?
The streetscape surrounding the Market is subject to the development of proposals within a business case structure to improve the urban realm on Union Street and those streets leading from the south of the Market towards the railway and bus stations.
How is the development of projects paid for?
This will depend on what is carried out and in what order. There is an approved budget, but this will need to be regularly reviewed as more detailed design is undertaken.
Where is the money coming from?
The Market is part of successful application to the UK government’s Levelling Up fund
What is the council doing to ensure the community’s voice continues to be heard and inform work being undertaken?
We work closely with the Council’s equalities team to ensure we are being as proactive as possible to reach those who are seldom heard. We have created a stakeholder forum and sought representation on it from a range of diverse groups to esnure all citizens are respresented.
How will the council ensure that those who are harder to reach are actively engaged throughout the process?
Engagement is an interative and ongoing process and we seek feedback at key points in the design and implementation of projects. In addition, people can contact the team at any point through ccmp@aberdeencity.gov.uk
How long will the process take?
The detailed design is progressing at present and the main Construction on site is still planned to commence in 2024, with completion in early 2026
Why are the council planning for retail-led schemes given the current economic climate and impact of internet shopping?
ACC, like most local authorities see retail as a key component of the city centre. An ‘Action Plan’ has been developed to provide focus and resource to assist those who are interested in our our city centre. Information can be found at: https://committees.aberdeencity.gov.uk/documents/s138838/Vacant%20Units%20-%20Appendix%201.pdf
Who will be delivering the masterplan?
The overall City Centre and Beach Masterplan is being developed by ACC in partnership with Hub North Scotland who are ACC’s appointed development and procurement partner.
Who will be delivering the build of the market?
The Market will be constructed by Hub North Scotland’s Construction Supply Chain. Hub North Scotland are ACC’s selected procurement partner.
How will you make the town centre more accessible?
A comprehensive Transport Assessment has been undertaken to evaluate the effects of proposed changes to the city centre transport network which will result from the masterplan. Work so far has looked at the traffic management changes required to support the bus priority loop which includes Market Street, Guild Street and Bridge Street which form part of a forthcoming traffic order which will be known as ETRO2. ETRO2 will also include modest adjustments to pay and display and accessible parking within the Market area. Depending on feedback and review, it is possible that some further traffic management measures may be required thereafter to support any streetscape proposals. Proposed changes will contribute towards a reduction in traffic volumes within the local area and upgraded signage will increase legibility of the overall space for all users. The removal of through traffic from the area will lead to a calmer environment which should be more welcoming for cyclists.
Who will operate the new market?
The Council has recently announced the preferred operator as The McGinty Group, a local award winning hospitality group
How can businesses get involved in the new market?
Following the recent announcement of the Councils preferred operator, businesses are encourgaed to speak directly to The McGinty Group to discuss how they can be involved in the new Market.
Is there a stakeholder engagement strategy in place to raise local awareness and public engagement?
There is a stakeholder engagement strategy that was approved by the Council’s masterplan board in April 2022. It is regularly updated. This sets out how individual projects within the masterplans will be consulted and engaged on. The Council’s communications team is resposible for awarness raising of the masterplan.
How will the council ensure that those who are harder to reach are actively engaged throughout the process?
We work closely with the Council’s equalities team to ensure we are being as proactive as possible to reach those who are seldom heard. We have created a stakeholder forum and sought representation on it from a range of diverse groups to esnure all citizens are respresented.
Will I be given the opportunity to have my say on what happens to the Beach?
Engagement is an interative and ongoing process and we seek feedback at key points in the design and implementation of the streetscape project. In addition, people can contact the team at any point through ccmp@aberdeencity.gov.uk.