Aberdeen City Council’s Finance and Resources Committee approved the designs that will also include an enhanced setting and access to seating for the Gordon Highlanders’ Memorial, feature lighting, and clear and unobstructed pavements next to buildings.

Committee convener Councillor Alex McLellan said: “The Castlegate is a historic part of the city so it is fitting it will get a refurbishment which will enhance the area.

“Features such as the Mercat Cross and the Gordon Highlanders’ Memorial are an important part of Aberdeen’s heritage so it is important they are not only refurbished but have an appropriate and more usable space around them.

“Engagement with local businesses and community groups has been very helpful and fruitful in designing this space and we thank people for their valuable input.

“We look forward to the start of the works soon and watching it take shape over the coming months.”

A report to the committee said engagement sessions took place last August with youth, community, business active travel, and transport groups who set the key principles of design based on the spatial. This was followed up with further sessions involving the Disability Equity Partnership, Cycle Forum, and Castlegate businesses.

Several of the design features were worked on collaboratively with the Disability Equity Partnership including:

• Clear pavements;
• Use of street furniture, planters etc to define movement spaces;
• Surface finishes to aid visually impaired to navigate with stick;
• Selection of plant species to avoid falling broadleaves;
• Regular and varied height seating with choice of back and arm rests.

The report said events in the space are an important part of the history and character of the Castlegate and the design reflects this. The area to the west of the Mercat Cross is designed to be the focus of events of a range of sizes. Street furniture, planters etc in the area are removeable to enable larger events as required

The Gordon Highlanders Statue is relocated to the south side of the Castlegate, with seating positioned opposite to improve the setting and support those paying their respects. Representatives of the Gordon Highlanders have been involved in the design and have sent a letter expressing their support.

Space is available for on street market trading subject to licenses, outdoor seating for cafés, restaurants etc, subject to café permits and other permissions.

Advance works such as utility diversions will start this month with main works due to start this Autumn/Winter thereafter. Construction start will be dependent on completion of advance works and is expected to take around 12 months.