Castlegate streetscape transformation project set to begin

Construction workers will fence off the area which will undergo major improvements as part of Aberdeen City Council’s £150 million city centre and beach masterplan. Utility service companies have been carrying out preparations in advance of the main work.

The planned streetscape improvements will create an inviting civic square with a café culture and become a key link between the city centre and the beachfront.

Aberdeen City Council welcomed the start of works as a key moment in the transformation of the city centre and beach areas.

Council co-leader Councillor Ian Yuill said: “The historic Mercat Cross and the Gordon Highlanders’ Memorial will be key features of the refurbished Castlegate. The new Castlegate will have a better and safer surface, more usable spaces for people to spend time, and help reinvigorate the eastern city centre.”

Councillor Alex McLellan, convener of the Finance and Resources Committee, said: “The start of works at the Castlegate is the next step in our city centre and beachfront transformation.

“The Castlegate is a historic part of the city, and this major refurbishment will ensure it continues to be an area of the city centre for people to enjoy for years to come.”

Hub North Scotland is the council’s delivery partner for the city centre and beach masterplan, and operations director Ewen Fowlie said the Castlegate works would benefit generations of city residents and visitors.

He added: “These works will create a destination that will attract more people and increase footfall for businesses and premises around the Castlegate. We are looking forward to delivering something that Aberdeen will be proud of.”

The main contractor for the works is Morrison Construction Infrastructure, and the project is due for completion in summer 2027.

Construction manager Rod Buchan said: “We are proud to be delivering the transformation of the Castlegate, a space that holds such cultural, civic and historic significance for Aberdeen. This project represents a major investment in the future of the city centre, and our team is committed to carrying out the works safely, considerately and to the highest quality. 

“As phases progress, we will continue to work closely with, local businesses and residents to minimise disruption and ensure the community benefits from a revitalised and welcoming public space for generations to come.”

The work is being carried out in phases, and the first phase will see the central area of the Castlegate fenced off with pedestrian access maintained along the north and south footways. Access will be maintained for businesses, premises and residents.

The first phase will involve the removal of existing fencing and street furniture followed by excavations to allow diversion works by Scottish Gas. The main works in this first phase will see the installation of new drainage and utility services ducting followed by the installation of new Scottish stone slabs and local granite setts.

The 340-year-old Mercat Cross in the centre of the Castlegate will also be fenced off in preparation for restoration works. A special golden post box erected in 2012 in tribute to Aberdeen-born Olympian Dame Katherine Grainger will be temporarily removed and placed in the safe keeping of the Royal Mail.

The Gordon Highlanders statue, which was unveiled on the Castlegate in 2011, will be temporarily removed from its current position and stored until the completion of the works when it will be relocated to a new position opposite the VSA bookshop.

Future phases of the work will see installing slabs and setts to first the south footway and then the north footway areas followed by new street furniture, seating and lighting.

One of the main challenges facing the site team will be uncovering any unrecorded utility services or unknown obstructions below the surface which may cause potential delays.