THE final design for the refurbishment of Aberdeen’s historic Castlegate area has been unveiled.
Set to include ‘significant’ greening, work will also include the restoration of Mercat Cross, new outdoor seating for cafes, as well as an enhanced setting and access to seating for the Gordon Highlanders’ Memorial, feature lighting, and clear and unobstructed pavements next to buildings.
Aberdeen City Council committee convener, councillor Alex McLellan, said, “The Castlegate is a historic part of the city so it is fitting it will get a refurbishment which will enhance the area. Features such as the Mercat Cross and the Gordon Highlanders’ Memorial are an important part of Aberdeen’s heritage so it is important they are not only refurbished but have an appropriate and more usable space around them.
“Engagement with local businesses and community groups has been very helpful and fruitful in designing this space and we thank people for their valuable input. We look forward to the start of the works soon and watching it take shape over the coming months.”
A report to committee said engagement sessions took place in August 2024 with youth, community, business active travel, and transport groups who set the key principles of design based on the spatial. This was followed up with further sessions involving the Disability Equity Partnership, Cycle Forum, and Castlegate businesses.
Several of the design features were worked on collaboratively with the Disability Equity Partnership including clear pavements; use of street furniture, planters, etc to define movement spaces; surface finishes to aid visually impaired to navigate with stick; selection of plant species to avoid falling broadleaves; and regular and varied height seating with choice of back and arm rests.
The report said events in the space are an important part of the history and character of the Castlegate and the design reflects this. The area to the west of the Mercat Cross is designed to be the focus of events of a range of sizes. Street furniture and planters in the area are removeable to enable larger events as required.
The Gordon Highlanders Statue is relocated to the south side of the Castlegate, with seating positioned opposite to improve the setting and support those paying their respects. Representatives of the Gordon Highlanders have been involved in the design and have sent a letter expressing their support.
Advance works such as utility diversions will start this month with main works due to start this autumn/winter. Construction start will be dependent on completion of advance works and is expected to take around 12 months, the council said.
