Aberdeen’s multi-million-pound Union Street regeneration project has reached a critical juncture with the closure of the final stretch of the thoroughfare, Union Bridge, to facilitate underground works. This latest development intensifies the pressure to complete the ambitious scheme before its current autumn deadline, following multiple previous delays.
The extensive overhaul of the Granite Mile, initiated in April 2024, was envisioned to transform the central section into a vibrant hub for cyclists, traders, and visitors. Touted by council chiefs as the “biggest redevelopment” in the city centre for two centuries, the 300-metre stretch between Market Street and Bridge Street has since been a continuous construction site.
However, the £21 million undertaking has been beset by challenges. Initial hopes of a December 2025 completion were dashed by “unexpected discoveries beneath the road surface.” The project’s timeline was subsequently pushed to spring 2026, then further to summer 2026, with crews now racing to finish before autumn.
Concerns about further setbacks persist. Aberdeen City Council’s Finance Convener, Alex McLellan, previously acknowledged the “incredibly challenging” nature of the project for the contractor. The closure of Union Bridge, which began on Monday March 26, is particularly complex. City officials have highlighted that the Category B-listed crossing presents “an entirely different proposition” with “its own particular difficulties” compared to other sections of the Union Street works.
The success of the overall project, according to sources, could hinge on findings from these deeper excavations into Union Bridge. Labour councillor Deena Tissera voiced her apprehension, stating: “City centre works have been marked by repeated setbacks, undermining public confidence. The planned closure of Union Bridge raises fears of further unforeseen issues. These problems should have been avoided through comprehensive engineering surveys and proper planning before the project began.”
Local businesses have already reported significant impact from the prolonged roadworks, affecting trade, with property agents struggling to lease units within the construction zone. Richard Brooks, the Conservative group leader, criticised the council’s leadership, accusing them of leaving affected traders “with their fingers crossed.” He added: “The poor scheduling of traffic orders, together with the continued renovation work, has crippled our city centre trade.”
“Now we have a delayed Union Street revamp, and a ‘suck-it-and-see’ Union Bridge redevelopment,” Brooks further commented. “If there are further delays, the administration really do need to look at compensating those businesses already holding on by a thread.”
Responding to the criticism, Aberdeen City Council co-leader Ian Yuill dismissed Mr Brooks’ remarks as “talking nonsense, and talking down Aberdeen city centre.”
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Councillor Yuill affirmed: “Union Street is very much open for business, and the works on Union Bridge are needed to complete the revamp. I’m as frustrated as anyone about the time this project is taking.”
Avoiding responding to the issue of why no underground imaging survey was undertaken before commencement of the work, he continued: “The sad truth is, when you dig up a road that has been around for this long, unexpected discoveries are made and services aren’t where they are supposed to be. I want to see it completed as soon as possible.”
During the Union Bridge closure, only emergency vehicles and refuse collection lorries are permitted to traverse the single-lane route. Taxis, which previously had access, are now advised to avoid the area until at least early July.
