Construction activity is scheduled to ramp up next week at Aberdeen's historic Castlegate, marking a significant milestone in Aberdeen City Council's £150 million city centre and beach masterplan.

With Hub North Scotland serving as the delivery partner, the project aims to transform the area into an inviting civic square featuring a café culture, strengthening the connection between the city's heart and the coast.

The redevelopment will be carried out in phases by main contractor Morrison Construction Infrastructure, with a scheduled completion date of summer 2027. Initial works involve fencing off the central area, though pedestrian access to homes and businesses will be maintained along the northern and southern footways. Early tasks include the removal of existing street furniture and fencing, followed by excavations to facilitate Scottish Gas diversion works. Subsequent activity in this first phase includes the installation of new drainage and utility ducting, topped with local granite setts and Scottish stone slabs.

Hub North Scotland Operations Director Ewen Fowlie said the Castlegate works would benefit generations of city residents and visitors. He added: "These works will create a destination that will attract more people and increase footfall for businesses and premises around the Castlegate. We are looking forward to delivering something that Aberdeen will be proud of."

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Preservation of local heritage remains a focal point of the project. The 340-year-old Mercat Cross will be fenced off for restoration, while the golden post box dedicated to Olympian Dame Katherine Grainger will be moved into the care of the Royal Mail for the duration of the works. Additionally, the Gordon Highlanders statue will be temporarily removed and stored until it can be relocated to a new position across from the VSA bookshop.

Council Co-Leader Councillor Ian Yuill said: "The historic Mercat Cross and the Gordon Highlanders' Memorial will be key features of the refurbished Castlegate. The new Castlegate will have a better and safer surface, more usable spaces for people to spend time, and help reinvigorate the eastern city centre."

Councillor Alex McLellan, Convener of the Finance and Resources Committee, noted that the refurbishment ensures the historic site remains a vibrant part of the city for years to come. However, the site team remains mindful of potential challenges, such as encountering unrecorded utility services or underground obstructions that could impact the timeline.

Construction Manager Rod Buchan said: "We are proud to be delivering the transformation of the Castlegate, a space that holds such cultural, civic and historic significance for Aberdeen. This project represents a major investment in the future of the city centre, and our team is committed to carrying out the works safely, considerately and to the highest quality. As phases progress, we will continue to work closely with, local businesses and residents to minimise disruption and ensure the community benefits from a revitalised and welcoming public space for generations to come."

Future stages of the development will focus on paving the southern and northern footways, followed by the installation of modern lighting, seating, and street furniture.