Queen Street urban park and Castlegate streetscaping projects move forward
Aberdeen councillors agreed on significant updates to both improvement projects as part of the City Centre and Beach Masterplan.
Councillors have agreed on significant updates to two major city centre improvement projects which includes a new urban park on Queen Street.
The plans also involve streetscaping works to Castlegate as part of the City Centre and Beach Masterplan.
Both projects, which are designed to reinvigorate the areas "culturally and economically", were given the green-light by the Finance and Resources Committee.
Detailed and technical design along with the negotiation and execution of contracts for delivery of the construction programme are to take place for both improvement projects.
The report to the committee said the urban park concept includes provision for outdoor seating, informal performance areas, a sensory garden, terraced garden and enhanced street greening.
An active travel route for pedestrians and cyclists will also be included through the Castlegate towards the beachfront, along with vehicular access for servicing businesses.
Committee convener 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. “
Police HQ demolition recommended
It was also agreed by the committee to explore the cost of demolition of the former Queen Street police headquarters which has been vacant since 2021.
Developers' feedback from market testing has indicated a preference to demolish the towering offices and prepare the location for future development.
The construction would be completed in two phases, with the first occupying the north side of Queen Street in a disused area, and the second on the former site of the police HQ.
The local authority said 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".
It is also hoped the space will provide an important gateway to the beach, and become a focus for visitors and tourists to assist in delivering the city’s events programme.
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