The historic Castlegate area in Aberdeen is set for a major transformation following the approval of final refurbishment designs by the City Council's Finance and Resources Committee.

The plans include extensive greening of the space, restoration of the iconic Mercat Cross, and new outdoor seating areas for cafés and restaurants. Other key features will include improved access and a more prominent setting for the Gordon Highlanders’ Memorial, feature lighting, and clear, unobstructed pavements alongside buildings.

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.

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"We look forward to the start of the works soon and watching it take shape over the coming months."

The refurbishment is the result of extensive engagement with a wide range of stakeholders, including youth, community, business, transport, and active travel groups. Initial sessions held in August 2024 helped define the key design principles, followed by further input from the Disability Equity Partnership, Cycle Forum, and Castlegate-based businesses.

Several design elements were developed in collaboration with the Disability Equity Partnership, including:

• Clear, unobstructed pavements

• Use of planters and street furniture to define pedestrian movement zones

• Surface materials to aid navigation for the visually impaired

• Selection of low-maintenance plant species to avoid falling leaves

• Varied seating options with backs and armrests for accessibility

The design also recognises the Castlegate's long-standing role as a civic event space. The area west of the Mercat Cross will serve as a flexible event zone, with removable street furniture to accommodate gatherings of various sizes.

As part of the upgrade, the Gordon Highlanders' statue will be relocated to the south side of the square, with new seating installed opposite to enhance the setting and provide a place for reflection. Representatives of the Gordon Highlanders have supported the redesign and provided a letter of endorsement.

The space will also accommodate on-street market trading, pending appropriate licenses, and outdoor café seating subject to standard permitting.

Advance works such as utility diversions are set to begin this month (August 2025), with main construction expected to commence in autumn or winter once preliminary work is complete. The full construction phase is anticipated to last around 12 months.