A new urban park is to be created in Aberdeen city centre under plans agreed by the city’s local authority.
Set to be located on Queen Street, detailed and technical design with the negotiation and execution of contracts for delivery of the construction programme are now to take place.
Aberdeen City Council’s urban park concept includes provision for outdoor seating and informal performance areas, a sensory garden, terraced garden, and enhanced street greening. Each space within the new urban park will perform a range of environmental and social functions, categorised into the overarching themes of urban nature, community, heritage, and arts and culture.
The scheme will have a single recognisable identity as Queen Street Urban Park. However, within the park a series of subspaces are proposed, allowing for different uses and each with a subtly different character.
Phase one of the urban park would be to the north side of Queen Street in a disused area, and phase two would be the site of the former police headquarters.
Elsewhere, the council also agreed to Castlegate public realm improvements and agreed that the scope and cost for the demolition of the city’s former police headquarters on Queen Street should be sought, as developers’ feedback from market testing to date has indicated a preference to demolish the current office building and prepare the site ready for future development.
The local authority explained that the Castlegate streetscape improvements are designed to reestablish the area as a central civic location, providing a high quality space which creates a destination at the end of Union Street and encourages sustainable economic activity.
The space also provides an important gateway to the beach, be a focus for visitors and tourists, and help to deliver the city’s events programme.
The project comprises public realm and streetscaping improvements including street furniture, public art, improved lighting, enhanced street greening. An active travel route for pedestrians and cyclists will be included through the Castlegate towards the beachfront, along with vehicular access for servicing businesses.
Councillor Alex McLellan said, “Aberdeen City Council is moving forward with plans for an Urban Park at Queen Street and the resurfacing of the Castlegate  – further investing in our city centre to ensure that it remains a place people want to live, work, invest or visit on holiday.
“Queen Street’s urban park will create a new unique location in our city centre which I am sure people will enjoy in years to come.”
