Aberdeen’s iconic Beach Ballroom could be mothballed as Aberdeen City Council considers drastic measures to address an £18 million budget shortfall in 2025.
The historic entertainment venue, which has hosted legendary acts including The Beatles and is approaching its centenary, faces three possible futures: closure, sale, or outsourcing to an external operator. Any of these options would save the council £150,000.
The potential closure comes amid a wider range of severe cuts being considered by the council. Residents face an 11% council tax increase, while swimming pools, theatres, and basic services could all be affected as bodies like Aberdeen Performing Arts and Sport Aberdeen face the prospect of major cash blows.
Other proposed measures include:
- Switching off streetlights to save £1.2 million in energy costs
- Removing winter grit bins
- Introducing parking charges at the seafront
- Implementing workplace parking charges for council staff
Finance chiefs will make final decisions at a crucial meeting on March 5, 2025, as they attempt to balance the books.
The Beach Ballroom’s situation is particularly precarious following the council’s decision to postpone its beach masterplan, which could leave the venue “marooned” beside the demolished Beach Leisure Centre site.
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Councillor Alex McLellan, Convener of the Finance and Resources Committee, acknowledged the difficult decisions ahead: “Aberdeen City Council will be faced with difficult decisions to balance the budget next year, so it is important that we consider the impact that changes to services may have on citizens.”
To cover these costs, Officials say an 11% council tax rise is needed in Aberdeen, now that the Scottish Government has lifted any limits on the levy, while Aberdeenshire Council has also just announced that they wish to increase rates by 10%.
The proposed 11% rise in Aberdeen council tax is currently the highest that has been proposed across Scotland, with North Lanarkshire, East Lothian and Scottish Borders councils voting for 10%, Fife for 8.2%, Edinburgh for 8% and Glasgow currently the lowest with 7.5%.
