Multi-million Aberdeen Market gets green-light from councillors

Aberdeen's £50 million food and retail market has been given the go-ahead by councillors.

The ambitious two-storey development occupying spaces between Market Street, Hadden Street, The Green and Union Street was approved by Aberdeen City Councillors in the Town House on Thursday morning.

The former British Home Stores - which closed in 2016 - will be replaced with a contrasting glass-front wedged between traditional granite buildings leading to a walkway connecting to the main market building.

The destination venue also features a food hall occupying the ground floor with the intention of attracting vendors from far and wide, leading out to an open event space on The Green.

In August, local award-winning McGinty's group were revealed as the preferred operator for hospitality and retail operations.

The development will also aim to improve pedestrian connectivity between Union Street and the bus and railway stations via The Green and enliven Hadden Street and Market Street.

Both Councillor Sandra MacDonald and Councillor Marie Boulton voiced concerns on the open walkway leading to the main facility, but council planning chiefs assured wind assessments had been carried out, concluding there would be no issues.

It was revealed last month Morrison Construction would be undertaking the multi-million pound development, who plan to work alongside other local firms to deliver the attraction for the North East.

Yesterday, Aberdeen Inspired CEO Adrian Watson told Northsound that the new development would be a "catalyst" for the city centre masterplan.

Aberdeen City Council will receive £20 million from the UK Levelling Up Fund to go towards the project.