ABERDEEN City Council and development partner hub North Scotland have reached financial close for the first phase of a £50 million project aimed at transforming the city’s beachfront.
Robertson Construction Group has been confirmed as main contractor and is already on site. The improvements will see the creation of a beach park, large events field, and the enhancement of the Broadhill landmark. The works form part of Aberdeen City Council’s City Centre and Beachfront Masterplan.
Richard Park, chief executive, hub North Scotland, said, “Financial close is a key moment and the culmination of three years hard work by the project team to get to this stage. I am delighted we have appointed Robertson Construction Group as our main contractor as they have an excellent track record in delivering major projects such as this. These works are a major element of the overall city centre and beachfront masterplan and over the next few years we will see significant new infrastructure delivered across Aberdeen.”
Elliot Robertson, CEO, Robertson Group, added, “The Aberdeen Beachfront project further illustrates the commitment from Aberdeen City Council to maximise on the opportunities that the area presents to become a destination of choice for the public. We have been working on site to deliver the enabling works and now that the project has reached financial close, the delivery of this world-class children’s play area will begin. Delivering the first phase of works for hub North Scotland on behalf of Aberdeen City Council at the Beachfront will set the high-quality benchmark for the facilities that will form the redevelopment.
“As a long-standing, trusted partner of Aberdeen City Council, we have a strong local supply chain and deep-rooted relationships within the community. Adding social value is central to everything we do, and this project will create local jobs and spend whilst providing education and training opportunities for the people of Aberdeen.”
Aberdeen City Council’s co-leaders said the public will see significant works on the beachfront during 2025.
The beach park will act as a key entry point between the city centre and beachfront and will include a play park, sports area/pump track, a skateboard area, a gateway building, a hub building and a canopy shelter.
The events field with its amphitheatre effect design will host festivals, larger concerts and gatherings and will have a flexible open area semi-enclosed by woodland.
The Broadhill lies is between the Kings and Queens Links and offers viewpoints across the city and North Sea. The existing paths network will be upgraded and additional viewing platforms and seating areas added. The Broadhill works are due to be completed in the summer of 2025 while the beach and events parks will be completed in 2026.
Work will also begin shortly on stripping out the former beach leisure centre before demolition begins. The Linx ice arena will remain open as normal during the works and will be provided with a temporary car park while the former beach leisure centre is being demolished.
Future phases of the proposals for the beach include beach huts, shore access improvements, and a beach community clubhouse.
