The extensive redevelopment of Union Street in Aberdeen is now facing further delays, with completion now likely to extend into autumn 2026. A new report, slated for discussion by the city council’s finance committee next week, reveals a significant increase in the project’s budget, which has climbed from an initial £20 million to £23.79 million.
The central section of the “Granite Mile”, specifically between Market Street and Bridge Street, has been closed for over two years as work progresses to transform the area. Originally, the revamp was projected to conclude by the end of 2025. However, project leaders confirmed delays approximately a year ago, pushing the anticipated completion to spring 2026. This timeline was subsequently extended to summer 2026, and the latest report indicates a probability of works continuing into the autumn of 2026.
The latest report details that these issues include “additional work required to deal with the removal of undocumented and redundant utilities and the complex vaulted structures” and also blames “productivity constraints arising from the logistical challenges presented by the site have resulted in programme delays.”
Engineers involved in the project, led by Hub North Scotland as the development and delivery partner and Morrison Construction Infrastructure as the main contractor, have previously cited a “surprising mess of pipes,” unexpected tramlines, a 10-metre underground manhole, and over 20 clusters of undocumented utility pipes and cables as significant obstacles.
Despite these setbacks, project leaders from Hub North are reportedly implementing measures “to mitigate delays,” with an estimated completion target of “late summer 2026.” However, the report cautions councillors that “there are a number of risks still present within the planned works, which if realised, are likely to extend the works into early autumn 2026.”
The ongoing disruption comes shortly after the commencement of work on the final phase of the scheme, along Union Bridge. The prolonged construction period has had a tangible impact on local commerce, with numerous retail units along the affected stretch remaining vacant. Property experts have suggested that traders “would be insane” to establish businesses in these premises while the area remains a construction zone.
The new £40 million Flint market, slated to open in 2027, is expected to serve as a pivotal element in the revitalisation of Union Street, creating an active frontage and improving connectivity between Union Street and the city’s transport hubs.
Liam Kerr, who has visited businesses impacted by the delayed city centre works, said: “This announcement is deeply disappointing and exposes Aberdeen City Council’s shambolic handling of the redevelopment of Union Street.
“The local authority has taken its eye off the ball, and the blame lies solely at their door – not the workers.
“For more than two years now, businesses on Union Street have gone through constant hell with these delayed construction works, with many not surviving.
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“Those that are still trading and have remained loyal to Union Street through this chaos are at breaking point, and should be compensated for the loss of footfall.
“The council’s negligence in allowing timescales to constantly slip has been compounded by their implementation of permanent bus gates and LEZs, which are suffocating businesses across Aberdeen.
“The future prosperity of Aberdeen relies on breathing new life into our city centre, but this SNP-Lib Dem administration are doing more to kill our great Granite Mile than help it.”
