Kasia Dietz
Updated on: October 11, 2024 9:06 am GMT
The redevelopment of the Aberdeen beachfront, representing the largest investment in 35 years, is set to begin next week as part of the ambitious City Centre and Beach Master Plan proposed by Aberdeen City Council. This project, which has a total budget of £150 million, aims to transform the beach area into a premier destination for local residents and visitors alike.
Overview of the Development Plan
The extensive redevelopment includes significant upgrades across three key sites, with construction teams expected to mobilize shortly. A £50 million initial phase will address the creation of a modern beach park, an expansive events field suitable for festivals and concerts, and enhancements to the iconic Broadhill area, all of which are intended to foster a vibrant public space.
Key Components of the Project
- Beach Park: This area will feature a children’s play park, sports facilities including a pump track, a gateway building, and a central hub with a canopy shelter.
- Events Field: Measuring 2.5 hectares, this flexible space will accommodate large community events and informal gatherings, surrounded by a natural landscape.
- Broadhill Enhancements: Upgrades will improve accessibility with enhanced pathways, viewing platforms, and seating, while increasing biodiversity through additional planting.
Community Engagement and Input
The design of the play park’s centerpiece, dubbed the Rope Factory, reflects the city’s rich history of rope-making. This large-scale play structure was developed through workshops involving local schoolchildren and young people, ensuring the project resonates with the community it serves. The play area will be divided into four distinct zones focused on sports, adventure, woodland, and coastal themes.
Construction Timeline and Impact
Construction work on the beach park and events field will necessitate the temporary closure of Beach Boulevard, between Links Road and the Esplanade, starting in early October. Detour routes will be clearly marked to minimize disruption for both pedestrians and vehicles. The upgrades to the Broadhill area are scheduled for completion by summer 2025, while the entire beachfront project is projected to finish in 2026.
Supporting Infrastructure Improvements
In addition to the main redevelopment works, the project will involve extensive underground service diversions, which have already begun. These modifications include the rerouting of gas lines and upgrades to water, electricity, and broadband services. These infrastructure enhancements are vital to supporting the anticipated increase in visitation and improving overall service delivery in the area.
Statements from City Officials
Aberdeen’s Co-Leader Councillor Ian Yuill emphasized the significance of the redevelopment, stating, “Aberdeen Beach and the Links are a great asset for the city and wider North-east. The council is committed to working with beach users, partner organizations, 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 return to again and again.”
Co-Leader Councillor Christian Allard echoed these sentiments, marking this redevelopment as an “important milestone” that will enhance the beach area for everyone. He noted that this investment complements ongoing projects, including the revamp of Union Street Central and the construction of a new market building.
Future Developments Beyond the Beach
Alongside the beachfront project, the city council is also investing in streetscape improvements around Union Street Central and planning a new urban park in Queen Street. Public consultations have been instrumental in gathering community feedback and ensuring that future developments align with the needs and preferences of residents.
Conclusion and The Road Ahead
Aberdeen has big plans to turn its beachfront into a lively place where both locals and visitors can enjoy themselves. This redevelopment is a major investment in the city’s future, aiming to create a fun and exciting coastal area that shows off the community’s values and history. As construction moves forward, Aberdeen City Council is working hard to keep things running smoothly and to build great public spaces that everyone can enjoy for many years.
