A temporary surface will be installed on part of Castlegate in the coming weeks to ensure the safety of pedestrians and vehicles. This decision comes as the cost of fully repairing the current flagstones, estimated at over £1.5 million, would be rendered unnecessary due to the upcoming major improvement works.

The area is set to undergo significant transformation as part of the City Centre and Beach Masterplan, which aims to revitalise Union Street and strengthen its connection to the beach area via Castlegate.

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To avoid unnecessary expenditure on a temporary solution that would be subsequently removed, a cost-effective approach has been adopted. Compacted road planings, a waste material generated from the council's road resurfacing program, will be used to create a temporary road surface. This approach aligns with the council's commitment to net-zero carbon emissions by minimising waste and reducing carbon footprint.

While the temporary surface may not be aesthetically pleasing, it will ensure the safety of the area and prevent further deterioration of the existing flagstones. These original flagstones, laid in the early 1990s, will be retained for potential future use.