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

9 March 2026 

Advance notice – Union Bridge closure from 23 March 2026

As part of the Union Street Central streetscape upgrade works, Union Bridge will be closed to non-emergency vehicles from Monday 23 March 2026 to allow work to proceed on that area of the project site.

Only emergency and refuse vehicles will be allowed access from 23 March until the project completion. The existing restriction at the Belmont Street junction will remain in place and access from Back Wynd will be closed until 7 July 2026 at the earliest.

The bridge was originally completed in 1805 and carries a weight restriction. To safely conduct the works, the site cabins currently on the bridge will be relocated to St Nicholas Street before the closure.

The aim is to complete the works as quickly and as safely as possible, minimising disruption, hence the need to limit vehicular traffic. Emergency vehicles and refuse vehicles will be allowed essential access.

Non-emergency vehicles entering the restricted area may be subject to enforcement. Businesses should note the new delivery arrangements below and advise their delivery companies.

Pedestrian access will be maintained, and the public are advised to follow the marked safe routes through the works area. Access to businesses and premises will be maintained during trading hours.

The Back Wynd taxi rank will be temporarily relocated to the Little Belmont Street junction from 23 March. Taxi access from Back Wynd to Union Street is currently planned to reopen by the beginning of July, once paving works in front of St Nicholas Kirk and a new bellmouth are completed.

The upgrade works to the Union Bridge will be delivered in phases and the pace of the sequencing of the work may be affected by any unexpected conditions found below the current street surface.

The indicative timeline for the work at present is:

23-24 March: Traffic management and fencing installed to secure a safe working area.

April: Existing bridge deck surface removed to allow structural surveys and preparation of the concreate deck. Structural strengthening and waterproofing works along the south footway.

May: Remainder of the bridge deck prepared for final waterproofing with new paving and kerbs installed on the south footway. New Belmont Street pedestrian crossing installed.

May to completion: New kerbs installed on the north footway, followed by construction of the new cycle-path base and final paving on the southside frontage.

There are several delivery points for businesses located on both the south and north footways and can be seen on the map below. The arrangements are:

Delivery arrangements south footway:

• Businesses on Union Bridge delivery vehicles can use two temporary loading bays on Union Terrace.
• Businesses between HMV and Primark will continue to receive deliveries via the Trinity Centre service access at The Green.
• Other businesses up to Back Wynd stairs on the South footway can take delivery via the stairs, alternatively a temporary loading unloading bay will be available at the junction from Back Wynd onto Union Street.
• Between Back Wynd Stairs and Correction Wynd Stairs, deliveries may be made via The Green or across Union Street from Back Wynd.
• Between Correction Wynd and Market Street, deliveries can be made via The Green, Correction Wynd or Union Street East.

Delivery arrangements north footway:

• For businesses between Union Bridge and Belmont Street delivery access will still be available via Denburn Road
• For businesses located between Belmont Street and Back Wynd delivery parking will be available at the end of Belmont Street or Back Wynd
• For businesses between Correction Wynd Stairs and Market Street delivery access is maintained via Correction Wynd, St Nicholas Street or Union Street beside Sports Direct.

Anyone with any questions or queries can contact the works site team on streetscape-market@morrisonconstruction.co.uk .

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.

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.

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.