Calls are mounting for the flattened site of Aberdeen’s former Beach Leisure Centre to be repurposed as a temporary car park. The suggestion comes amid growing fears of significant traffic disruption once the city’s ambitious beachfront regeneration project opens its new playpark and events arena.
Aberdeen City Council is investing £50 million into transforming the coastline into a prominent leisure destination, forming a key part of the wider £150 million City Centre and Beachfront Masterplan. Central to this redevelopment is a new, eye-catching playpark, inspired by the city’s rope-making heritage and designed by the team behind the world’s largest play structure, Lilidorei Play Village at Alnwick Garden. This “class-leading” facility will be free to access and feature a 23-metre Sky Tower.
Complementing the playpark is a large events field, spanning approximately 2.5 hectares, designed to host festivals, concerts, and gatherings with a capacity for up to 11,000 attendees. The Beach Park and Events Park elements of the project are anticipated for practical completion in late summer 2026.
Despite the council’s aspirations for the beachfront to become a major draw, concerns are emerging regarding the area’s ability to manage the anticipated influx of visitors. Current parking capacity already faces strain during peak times, such as busy sporting events or favourable weather conditions.
North East Scotland MSP Liam Kerr, a Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party representative, has voiced his apprehensions regarding the sufficiency of existing parking infrastructure. Mr Kerr is advocating for proactive measures to be implemented before families begin to flock to the new attractions.
In a letter addressed to Aberdeen City Council’s chief executive, Angela Scott, and council co-leaders, Christian Allard and Ian Yuill, Mr Kerr highlighted a precedent for traffic issues. He referenced the “parking chaos” that ensued following the opening of a new playground at Hazlehead Park a few years prior. Mr Kerr wrote:
“You will recall vehicles lining the streets for miles when the playground at Hazlehead Park opened two years ago. The lack of sufficient parking there led to significant disruption, with tailbacks extending to the roundabouts at Hazlehead Avenue, Queen’s Road and King’s Gate.”
“I, like many others, am concerned that a similar situation may occur again, this time on Links Road, Constitution Street, and even along the Beach Boulevard to the roundabout at Commerce Street.”
He further suggested that visitors unable to find council-managed spaces might resort to parking at commercial venues like Codona’s or Queens Links, which are not council-owned.
Mr Kerr specifically inquired whether the site of the demolished Beach Leisure Centre had been considered for use as a temporary car park to “ensure a smooth opening” for the project. The former Beach Leisure Centre began demolition in September 2025 and was expected to be cleared by early 2026.
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Concluding his appeal, Mr Kerr emphasised: “Safe and accessible parking should be a priority, and I hope that appropriate measures are being considered to ensure families can enjoy the new facility safely.”
In response, a council spokeswoman confirmed that officers are “continuing to consider” traffic and parking arrangements for the area. She noted that parking along the beachfront would remain available and additional blue badge spaces had been created at the park.
However, when pressed on whether the former leisure centre site was specifically under consideration, the spokeswoman remained non-committal, stating: “The Chief Executive will respond directly to Mr Kerr. Officers are continuing to consider the wider access arrangements for the area, including parking, public transport and the potential impact on surrounding streets and businesses.”
