Financial close reached for £50m Aberdeen Beachfront Phase A works

Robertson Construction Group has been confirmed as main contractor for the £50m project to help make the beach area a must-visit destination and are already on site.

The improvements will see the creation of a class-leading beach park, a large events field and the enhancement of the Broadhill, a well-known landmark at Aberdeen beach. The works are 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, Chief Executive Officer, Robertson Group, said: “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 welcomed the move and said the public will see significant works on the beachfront during 2025.

Co-leader Councillor Ian Yuill said: “As work continues at the Beach in 2025, people will see the new facilities growing. I am looking forward to the work finishing and people of all ages being able to make use of the great new facilities at the Beach.

“The Council is committed to working with Aberdeen’s residents, beach users, partner organisations, and businesses at the beach to make Aberdeen Beach and the Links the envy of other cities and a place where local people and visitors alike will want to visit to again and again.”

Co-leader Councillor Christian Allard said: “The beachfront is one of the jewels in the city’s crown and the work taking place in the area will further transform the beach area for the enjoyment of everyone.

“This work which is very welcome is the biggest redevelopment the beachfront has had for 35 years and is the next step to make Aberdeen an even better place for residents and visitors to enjoy.”

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.

A main feature of the play park will be the ‘Rope Factory’, a large-scale bespoke play structure inspired by the city’s rope making history that was shaped through engagement and workshops with local school children and young people.

The events field with its amphitheatre effect design will host festivals, larger concerts and gatherings and at its heart will have a flexible open area semi-enclosed by woodland.

The iconic Broadhill is between the Kings and Queens Links and offers outstanding viewpoints across the city and the 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 and is due to be completed in 2025. 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.

The beach works are part of a £150m commitment by Aberdeen City Council towards the City Centre and Beachfront Masterplan. Works are underway on streetscape improvements for the Union Street Central area and on a new market building. Plans have also been drawn up for a public realm upgrade for the historic Castlegate and an urban park for Queen Street.