Aberdeen City Centre and Beach Masterplan Update

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11 December 2025

 

Project Works – Union Street Central

Progress is being made with works advancing along Union Street Central. Most of the remedial works on the southeast footway are now complete with a Scottish Water chamber still to be connected to the mains supply and that small area near the former Attic premises will remain fenced off until it is completed shortly.

On the northeast footway improvements have continued from Timpson’s up to Peterkins with previously unknown underground structures addressed, allowing new slabs to be laid.

In the central section, nightshift operations enable shop doorways to be completed outside business hours, minimising disruption, while granite setts and kerbs have been installed towards Back Wynd.

In the west section, challenges around existing and uncharted services have been carefully managed and new gullies have been installed in the south lane of the carriageway.

Investigative works will begin along the south footway of the west section in front of the Trinity Centre to prepare for full construction which is scheduled to start in January.

 

Project Works – Market

Works are moving forward with teams pouring the suspended concrete floor slabs and fitting metal decking to support the new floors. Scaffolding has continued to be erected around the new building to allow roof works to progress safely with roof edge protection and safety nets fitted.

Roof installation works will shortly get underway while underground drainage along East Green will progress. Work will also begin on the foundations for the Market Street arch. Waterproofing works are continuing in the basement and internal walls.

January will see scaffolding erected inside the building, while the frames for the curtain walls will be erected, blockwork walls will start to be constructed and joinery work inside the roof space will get underway.

 

Project Works – Beach

Works across the beach site are making good progress with internal works on the new buildings well underway. The installation of the new play park equipment is continuing, and the former beach boulevard road has been removed in preparation to become a walkway and cycle path.

The amphitheatre seating area in the events field is being installed, and landscaping works are progressing well along with the new paths.

The demolition of the former beach leisure centre is almost completed, and the site will be fully cleared in January.

 

Project Works – Castlegate 

The start of works on the Castlegate has been delayed with utility companies still finalising plans for the diversion of services on the site. The improvement works cannot begin until the utility plans are agreed. It is anticipated that works will begin early in the New Year.

 

Projects Festive Shutdown

All the city centre and beach project sites will be closed for the festive period from Friday 19 December 2025 until Monday 5 January 2026.

On behalf of all the project staff, contractors and sub-contractors we would like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

The project updates will resume in January 2026.

New Market Build Progressing Well

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Work on the new city centre market continues to progress well as these latest photographs show.

The steel frame, which is being supplied by local business KR Group, is almost complete and the link bridge to the market frontage on Union Street can be clearly seen taking shape.

Main contractor Morrison Construction will shortly begin to install the roof of the building, and the project remains on target for completion in 2027.

The new market is to be called Flint and will be operated by local hospitality business, the McGinty’s Group.

Flumes gone as former beach leisure centre demolition gets underway

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17 October 2025

 

The demolition of the former beach leisure centre is well underway with the iconic swimming pool flumes being the first part of the building to go.

A large specialist grab machine tore apart the flumes in just over a day before moving on to begin the demolition of the pool itself.

Once the pool and an adjoining bridge link to the Beach Ballroom have been removed, the main sports hall will also be demolished.

Demolition works are expected to be completed by Christmas, and the site will be cleared of all materials in January.

The Linx Ice Arena will remain open and operate as normal during the demolition process.

Aberdeen City Centre and Beach Master Plan Update

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8 October 2025

Project Works – Union Street Central

Since permitted vehicles were switched over to the new setts’ carriageway on the east section of the site there have been issues with pedestrians walking on the roadway instead of the footway.

Walking on the live carriageway is strictly prohibited and pedestrians must follow the signs and traffic management measures and always use the designated footways. The carriageway is for permitted vehicles only and ignoring the safety measures puts lives at risk.

This diagram shows the designated footways, marked in green, and the vehicle carriageway marked in red.

 

East Section
Work is progressing along the north footway from the former RBS site, moving westwards towards Correction Wynd. Redundant services have been removed to allow drainage work to advance, and protective measures have been installed around existing basements and previously unknown structures uncovered during the works.

On the south footway between Market Street and Correction Wynd, work has resumed to complete outstanding doorways and remaining tasks, with the team focusing on opening the area as soon as possible.

 

Centre Section
Along the south footway from Correction Wynd, slabs are being laid between Popeyes and McDonald’s, with work set to continue westwards onto the next storefront. On the south carriageway, sett laying has restarted from the temporary crossing at Aberdeen Vinyl Records.

 

West Section
Excavation work has begun to the east of Union Bridge, preparing the ground for drainage, kerb logs, and formation slabs. The team is concentrating on completing this early stage efficiently to prepare for the next phase of construction.

To support these works, the Belmont Street entrance onto Union Street has been closed in line with the planned programme. A Temporary Traffic Regulation Order (TTRO) is now in place until 22 March 2026 to allow us to safely carry out upgrade works to both the carriageway and the north footway at the Union Street junction. These restrictions are essential for safety and will remain until the works at this location are complete.

During October, the focus will be on completing the remaining works to the south footway from Market Street to Correction Wynd, aiming to open sections of the footway as soon as possible.

Footway excavation and slab installation will continue on the north footway heading west towards Correction Wynd across all retail frontages, while similar work progresses on the south footway heading west towards Back Wynd.

In the centre section, sett laying will continue moving westwards, and drainage, kerb logs, and slab formation will advance up to Union Bridge.

Footway works will be carried out during daytime hours, while doorways for shops, residents, and businesses will be completed out of hours. This approach allows the team to maintain safe progress on the project while keeping businesses accessible and operational.

 

Project Works – Market

The new market building’s steel frame is steadily rising and remains on schedule. Edge protection has been fitted around the suspended floor slabs in advance of installing the metal decking.

At East Green, the team have been progressing the drainage and below-ground service works. With many existing utilities in the area, a suction excavator is being used to carry out the work carefully.

During October, the team aim to finish the steel frame and begin laying the metal decking for the suspended floor slabs. East Green’s drainage and service works are also due to finish. The team will also be installing a temporary access stair in preparation for the upcoming roof works.

 

Project Works – Beach

Work is progressing well across the beach site with the amphitheatre, gateway and hub buildings clearly recognisable. The glazing and internal partitions in the amphitheatre building are well under way and the roofing works are on schedule. The internal fit out of the Gateway building plant room and toilets are progessing.

The first steelworks for the main play structures have been delivered on and construction will begin shortly. Over the coming weeks, the three ‘worm’ structures will begin to take shape and by the end of November, the main play tower will start to be erected.

The demolition of the external flumes for the swimming pool in the former beach leisure centre was completed this week. Internal stripping out works will continue which will allow a phased demolition of the building over the next three months.

The Linx Ice Arena will remain open and continue to operate as normal during the leisure centre demolition works.

 

Project Works – Castlegate 

Discussions are continuing with utility services companies over necessary works to allow the Castlegate project to proceed. Once agreement has been reached with the utility companies, the contractor will be able to finalise plans for moving onto the site and begin works.

Demolition works to begin at former beach leisure centre

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25 September 2025

 

The demolition of the former beach leisure centre will begin next week. Preparations are already under way with part of an external wall removed to allow specialist machinery access into the building.

 

Site operatives will strip out internal fixtures and fittings and dismantle the swimming pool external flumes. Solar panels on the roof will be removed and retained for reuse or recycling.

 

Work will then begin on removing the former gym hall and the link bridge to the Beach Ballroom before the main demolition works begin.

 

Most of the demolition should be completed before Christmas and the site will be cleared in early 2026.

 

The Linx Ice Arena will be open as normal, and the demolition works will not affect any part of its operation.

New market building starts to take shape

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As the steel work erections progresses on the new Aberdeen Market building, the shape of the building is beginning to become clearer.

These photographs show how the building, to be called Flint and operated by local hospitality group, McGintys, will be a prominent landmark in the city centre.

Main contractor, Morrison Construction is progressing well with the works, which are on programme.

The steel being used for the development is being supplied by local business, KR Group from Newburgh in Aberdeenshire, as part of the commitment to use local suppliers whenever possible.

The market is a key part of the £150 million City Centre and Beach Master Plan being delivered by Aberdeen City Council

Temporary traffic restriction on Belmont Street at Union Street

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Traffic will not be able to enter or leave the Union Street end of Belmont Street from next Tuesday (23 Sept 2025) to allow for reconstruction as part of the upgrade works to Union Street Central.

The temporary restriction is from Tuesday 23 September 2025 until Sunday 22 March 2026 and there will be no entry from Union Street onto Belmont Street, and no exit from Belmont Street onto Union Street.

Access to properties will be maintained however no through-traffic will be possible during this time. An alternative route for vehicles is available via Union Terrace, Rosemount Viaduct, Schoolhill, Back Wynd and Little Belmont Street and Gaelic Lane.

The diversion route includes:

  • At the end of Little Belmont Street and Gaelic Lane, all vehicles must turn right onto Belmont Street. A left turn will not be permitted
  • All other vehicles must then exit Belmont Street and via Schoolhill

 

To facilitate this diversion, Little Belmont Street will be temporarily reopened to through-traffic and planters and stone roadblocks on Little Belmont Street will be removed. They will be reinstated once the diversion is no longer required.

Vehicles to drive on first phase of Union Street Central Works  

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The first phase of the Union Street Central Streetscape works will be open to permitted vehicles from today.

Traffic is being switched over to the new granite setts road surface on the east section of the works, between Correction Wynd and St Nicholas Street.

That will allow work to begin on the existing road surface on the north side of the street. It will become part of a widened and enhanced new pavement area.

Permitted vehicles currently allowed to use the new section are taxis, delivery vehicles during approved times, and cyclists, all travelling one-way, west to east along Union Street Central. Emergency vehicles will continue to always have access.

Pedestrians will continue to have access to businesses and premises on the north side of Union Street during the latest works.

The new road surface is made from local granite sourced from the Avochie quarry in Aberdeenshire and manufactured into traditional setts by Elgin family business Tennant.

John Edwards, project director for hub North Scotland, who are the council’s development and delivery partner for the City Centre and Beach Master Plan, said: “This is a landmark moment for the Union Street Central streetscape works with the first traffic running on the new road surface.”

He added: “The first phase of these works has proved more challenging than expected, despite the thorough surveys undertaken, with the discovery of many unrecorded utility services and other hidden obstructions which has seen the site team having to come up with different solutions.”

The main contractor for the works is Morrison Construction Infrastructure and the site team are also progressing in the central section of the project area. The works are due to be completed in Spring 2026.

Alongside Union Street Central, work is continuing on the new Aberdeen Market, which will be called Flint, and is due for completion in 2027. The main contractor for that part of the Master Plan is Morrison Construction North-east.

The new beachfront works are also progressing with main contractor Robertson Construction already completing the Broadhill enhancement while the new beach park and event park are well under construction.

First stage of £50 million beachfront redevelopment officially opened

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Cllr Martin Greig, the Lord Provost Dr David Cameron, Richard Park, chief executive of hub North Scotland, and Elliot Robertson, Chief Executive Officer, Robertson Construction Group, with some of the Young Ambassadors in the background, on one of the viewing platforms at the new-look Broadhill

The first part of a £50million redevelopment of Aberdeen beach was officially opened today with the unveiling of the new-look Broadhill.

Aberdeen’s Lord Provost, Councillor David Cameron, toasted the occasion with a cup of tea from a tartan flask and a traditional rowie at a striking new viewpoint on top of the well-known landmark.

The five-hectare Broadhill has been transformed with new access steps, footpaths, viewpoints, drystone walls, timber and concrete seating and landscaping. The work has been completed in time for the public to enjoy the site as a vantage point for the forthcoming Tall Ships Race (19-22 July).

As he surveyed the completed works, the Lord Provost said: “This is an exciting occasion to toast with the first part of the beachfront works finished.

“As thousands of people come into the city for the Tall Ships Races, the revamped Broadhill with additional seating and a viewpoint will be a prime place to watch the vessels sail into the harbour as well as the spectacular Red Arrows display.”

Broadhill is part of the biggest redevelopment of Aberdeen beach for 35 years with work well under way in creating a beach park and a large events field.

The Broadhill works have seen more than 10,000 new trees, shrubs, and underlying vegetation planted across the site to help enhance the natural environment by further diversifying the habitat and ecological value of the area.

The Lord Provost was joined for today’s opening ceremony by members of the city’s Young Ambassadors, a group of young people who contributed ideas for the beach plans.

Aberdeen City Council’s Co-Leaders welcomed today’s opening as the first project to be completed in the ambitious Aberdeen City Centre and Beach Master Plan.

Co-leader Councillor Ian Yuill said: “It is good to see the first of the beach works finished as the first of the City Centre and Beach Master Plan projects.  We hope many generations to come will make good use of the changes at Broadhill. The beachfront is one of the jewels in the city’s crown and the work taking place in the area will further transform the beach area for the enjoyment of everyone.

“The works are the biggest redevelopment the beach has had for 35 years and is the next step to make Aberdeen an even better place for residents and visitors to enjoy.”

Co-leader Councillor Christian Allard said: “We welcome the works finishing at Broadhill. As work continues at the beach, I am looking forward to more of the works finishing and people of all ages being able to make use of the great new facilities.

“We welcome the input of the Young Ambassadors who helped to shape the new facilities here at the city’s beach.  The Council is committed to working with Aberdeen’s residents, beach users, partner organisations, and businesses at the beach to make Aberdeen beach and the Links the envy of other cities and a place where local people and visitors alike will want to visit to again and again.”

The other beach works have seen five new buildings and shelters currently being constructed for the play and events sites along with a new skate landscape while the foundations have been laid for a large bespoke play structure called the Rope Factory which is set to become an iconic attraction.

The play area will have four zones – sport, adventure, woodland, and coastal – all with different free activities.

The 2.5-hectare events field will have an amphitheatre and will be able to host festivals, larger concerts and gatherings. The play park and events field are due for completion in Autumn 2026.

Hub North Scotland is the council’s development and delivery partner for the master plan projects and the main contractor for the beach works is the Robertson Construction Group.

Richard Park, chief executive of hub North Scotland, said: “This is a landmark moment for the beach redevelopment with the transformation of Broadhill and the progress on the other works. Robertson has done a fantastic job in completing the Broadhill and every day now you can see the progress on the rest of the area. This will be a ‘must-visit’ destination when completed.”

Elliot Robertson, Chief Executive Officer, Robertson Construction Group, said: “The opening of Broadhill is the first completed project as part of the overall transformation of Aberdeen’s beach. Being the trusted delivery partner, we understand the importance of bringing the vision of Aberdeen City Council and the local community to life.

“Working closely with hub North Scotland and the Council, significant progress is being made in the creation of well-designed, connected spaces which will be home to high-quality facilities. The vision to redevelop the beach will benefit the community through the provision of public realm spaces that will inspire wellbeing and activity and contribute to the local and regional economy.”

Work is progressing on stripping out the former Beach Leisure Centre in preparation for demolition of the building, which is due to begin next month. The Linx Ice Arena is open for business as normal during the works.

The beach improvements are part of a £150million commitment by Aberdeen City Council towards the City Centre and Beach Master Plan. Works are well under way on a new streetscape for the Union Street Central area while construction on the new market building is progressing as planned. Work is also due to begin on new streetscape improvements to the Castlegate next month. These areas will create vibrant and accessible areas to help make the city a destination of choice for the benefit of residents, visitors, and businesses.

Aberdeen City Centre and Beach Master Plan Update

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2 July 2025 

Project Works – Union Street Central

The transformation of Union Street Central continues with progress across the east and central sections of the site.

The site team have started laying the granite setts in the east section of the main carriageway which will give this area its distinctive finish.

The south footway works between Market Street and Attic are nearing completion with the new kerb line almost complete and 99% of the paving slab in place. The delineator trims, which mark the changes in surface use are fully installed and the drainage weepholes in the road surface have been completed.

The south footway from Attic to the HSBC cash machine has been excavated and refilled, while protection works over former coal chutes below the surface have been completed.

In the central section of the site, all preparations for new street furniture are complete and the sub-surface has been laid along that stretch of the south footway. New kerbs and delineator trims have been laid along most of the section, providing a clear outline of the final upgraded layout.

Over the next few weeks, the final kerbing and paving in the east section will be completed with a final protective layer between Attic and HSBC. The site team will also complete laying kerbing and delineator trims in the central section before commencing installing the granite setts.

 

Project Works – Market

All scaffolding has now been removed from the front and rear of the former British Homes Stores building at 91-93 Union Street and basement substructure works are well underway to form the foundations for future internal features.

Construction of the in-situ concrete walls which will form the core of the new market building is continuing to progress and will be brought to completion during July.

At the Market Street end of the site, excavations and service diversions are in progress to prepare for the foundations which will support the Market Street Arch. These excavations revealed several uncharted utility services which required additional co-ordination and minor adjustments to planned works.

Preparations are underway to install pre-cast concrete stairs, in addition to the planned escalators, within the main market building and towards the end of July the team expect to begin installing the steel frame for the new market building.

 

Project Works – Beach

The steelwork for all five new buildings on the beachfront site has now been completed and construction teams are progressing joinery and other works on the structures. These include installing water infrastructure for toilets in three of the buildings and drinking fountains across the site.

All the utilities connections to the site have been completed and the traffic restrictions on roads around the site have been lifted. Only minor tidying up work remains on the Esplanade.

Work on the new skate landscape is well progressed with some of the features, such as the large bowl area now completed. The foundations for the play park equipment have also been completed.

The main Rope Factory structures are currently being fabricated in Scotland and should be ready for installation later in the summer.

The final Broadhill works are being completed in time for it to be ready and open to the public for the Tall Ships visit.

Internal soft strip works at the former Beach leisure centre are progressing with the aim to start the demolition of the building at the end of July or early August.

 

Project Works – Castlegate 

Scaffolding was erected around the Mercat Cross to undertake a detailed inspection and condition survey.  The team will remove the scaffold and install information panels for the Tall Ships visit. The cross was originally built 339-years ago, and specialist conservation architects have been appointed to assess its condition and look at restoration options.

Further engagement events to outline the streetscape improvement plans have been held with the Disability Equity Partnership, the Aberdeen Cycle Forum as well as local businesses. These sessions were positive, and the points raised by all groups have been fed back to the project team and actioned.

Following the Tall Sips events, the Castlegate site team will begin preparations in August for the streetscape works which are expected to be completed in the summer of 2026.