Aberdeen’s historic Castlegate is poised for a significant £13 million transformation, with major construction works scheduled to commence from Monday, March 16. This revitalisation marks a crucial phase in the city’s broader £150 million City Centre and Beach Masterplan, an ambitious commitment by Aberdeen City Council aimed at creating vibrant and accessible urban spaces.
The Castlegate project will unfold in phases, initially focusing on the central area with the installation of new drainage systems and ducting. Subsequent works will involve laying granite setts and stone slabs across the square.
The comprehensive public realm improvements are to include new street furniture, enhanced lighting, increased greenery, and the incorporation of public art. A key objective is the creation of an active travel route, designed to better connect Union Street with the beachfront through segregated footways, while still accommodating vehicular access for local businesses.
Pedestrian access to nearby businesses and properties will be maintained throughout the duration of the works, which are anticipated to take between six and twelve months for the main transformation, with completion expected around September 26.
This initiative runs concurrently with several other major regeneration projects across Aberdeen. The new Flint market, a £40 million development, continues to take shape, with a steel frame constructed and a new roof completed. The market is designed to be a vibrant food and drink hall, featuring local vendors and artisan traders, alongside a large outdoor area for events. It is anticipated to be completed by summer 2027.
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Meanwhile, the £20 million overhaul of Union Street’s central section continues. This streetscaping project, which has faced delays due to unforeseen utility and ground conditions, aims to reallocate space to prioritise walking, cycling, and public transport, while preserving service vehicle access. The first phase, featuring a new granite sett road surface, opened to permitted vehicles in September 2025.
The £50 million beachfront overhaul also remains ongoing. The first phase of this extensive redevelopment, the enhancement of Broadhill, was successfully completed and opened in July 2025, in time for the Tall Ships Race. Works are actively progressing on the creation of a new play park and an events field, with these elements expected to be finalised by autumn 2026. The Beach Boulevard has also been permanently closed to road vehicles, forming part of the expanded beach park area.
These interconnected projects underscore Aberdeen City Council’s commitment to transforming the city into a modern, attractive, and economically robust destination for residents, visitors, and businesses alike.
