A steel frame has also been constructed in the building at 91-93 Union Street, which will be one of the main entrances to Flint. Work is now progressing on installing curtain walling, which lets natural light into the building while keeping the elements out. 

The scaffolding erected on the Union Street frontage of the building last September will be removed next month as part of the works. That will allow work to begin on installing a canopy over the Union Street entrance.

The £40 million market development is a key part of Aberdeen City Council’s £150m City Centre and Beachfront Masterplan, which is the biggest redevelopment of the city in 200 years.

The latest progress was welcomed by Aberdeen City Council co-leader, Councillor Christian Allard and Councillor Martin Greig, vice-convenor of the Planning Development Management Committee, who said the new market will be crucial in helping revitalise and transform the city centre.

Councillor Allard said: “Today marks an important milestone for our city centre. The new Flint Market development is really starting to take shape, bringing with it the promise of enhanced amenities – and yet more reasons to visit Aberdeen’s heart. By investing in infrastructure, we are creating the conditions for growth.” 

Councillor Greig said: “These are enormously exciting times for Aberdeen. As well as the new Flint Market and streetscaping on Union Street Central, the council is transforming the beach area and is set to rejuvenate the Castlegate as a public space. The Tall Ships event in July will only add to today’s sense of momentum.”

Hub North Scotland is the council’s development partner for the City Centre and Beachfront Masterplan. Market project director John Edwards said: “A huge amount of work has gone into reaching this stage and the progress will become even more visible over the coming months to deliver a landmark the city can be proud of.”

Colin Milne, framework director for Morrison Construction, which is the main contractor for the market, said: “We’re delighted to have completed these early works of this key regeneration project in the heart of Aberdeen. As the project continues to take shape, we look forward to working closely with the council, Hub North Scotland, and our local supply chain to bring the Flint Market vision to life.”

New reinforced concrete walls are being constructed on the site on the Green and service pits for escalators and lifts have been completed. The plaza area adjoining the building is also being prepared. The main steelworks for the new building are due to begin this summer.

Work is also underway for major sewer connections on Carnegies Brae, which will then allow the market to be connected to the district heating network via new pipes being laid from the council’s headquarters at Marischal College.

Aberdeen hospitality business McGinty’s Group will be the operator of Flint when it opens in 2027. The development name was selected to reflect the site’s past and its future. Around 8,000 years ago, it was a hub for flint working and the new market building will have a honey-coloured roof.

The city centre regeneration works include streetscape improvements currently underway in Union Street Central including paving from new Aberdeenshire granite setts. There will also be streetscape improvements to the Castlegate with work due to start there in August following the Tall Ships Race.

Work is also progressing on a £50m beachfront regeneration, which includes a new beach park, events field and the enhancement of the iconic Broadhill which overlooks the beach area.