Aberdeen’s ambitious beachfront regeneration project is advancing rapidly, with construction teams making substantial progress on what officials describe as the most significant coastal redevelopment in 35 years. The £50 million initiative, part of Aberdeen City Council’s broader £150 million City Centre and Beachfront Masterplan, represents a transformational investment designed to establish the area as a premier destination for residents and visitors alike.
This project will feature a playground, a sports area/pump track, a gateway structure, a hub facility, and a canopy shelter. Recent photographs released by Aberdeen City Council highlight the ongoing construction of the amphitheater near the Beach Ballroom, where the structure is beginning to take form.
Sharing the new images, the council said: “Work is continuing with the construction of the new beach park and large events field at Aberdeen beach including the new amphitheatre building and pavilions.
“The Beach Park will have a gateway building and plaza, a hub building and plaza, a shelter canopy, a sand and water area, a dunes area, and a sports zone. All the facilities in the play park will be accessible and free to use.
“While the play area will be at the heart of the beach park, there will be 40 other pieces of play equipment for all ages to enjoy. As part of the works, there will be accessible parking provision at the site in addition to no parking charges along the Beach Esplanade.
“The £150million commitment by Aberdeen City Council towards the City Centre and Beach Masterplan includes major improvement works underway at the new market building and Union Street Central. They will create vibrant and accessible areas to help make the city a destination of choice for the benefit of residents, visitors, and businesses.”
Construction Progress and Milestones
The project has achieved several notable milestones throughout 2025. The enhancement of Broadhill, a five-hectare landmark area, was completed and officially opened in July 2025, coinciding with Aberdeen’s hosting of the Tall Ships Race. This initial phase included new access steps, footpaths, viewpoints, drystone walls, seating installations, and extensive landscaping featuring over 10,000 newly planted trees, shrubs, and vegetation.
Current construction activities focus on the beach park and events field components, with steelwork for all five new buildings now complete. The project encompasses multiple specialized facilities, including a 23-meter Sky Tower serving as the centerpiece of an innovative play area inspired by Aberdeen’s rope-making heritage.
Innovative Design and Community Engagement
The beach park’s design reflects extensive community consultation, particularly with young people through Aberdeen’s Young Ambassadors program. The play area features four distinct themed zones: The Village (designed for ages 2-5), The Woodlands (featuring hidden routes and rope tunnels), The Sky Tower (providing panoramic views), and The Glens (inspired by Aberdeenshire countryside and targeted at older children).
The bespoke creation was designed by the same team responsible for the world’s largest play structure, the Lilidorei Play Village at Alnwick Garden in Northumberland, ensuring international standards of design and safety.
Economic Impact and Strategic Vision
Economic modelling indicates the beachfront masterplan developments will generate between £498 million and £597 million in additional gross value to the Aberdeen economy over a 30-year period, depending on specific implementation options. The projections assume significant increases in footfall, with total visitor numbers expected to reach one million annually post-investment.
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Timeline and Future Phases
Construction on the beach park and events field is scheduled for completion in autumn 2026. Concurrent work includes the demolition of the former Beach Leisure Centre, which began in 2025.
