Whether they want pedestrianisation of Union Street, a new Dons stadium at the beach or a city garden in place of the former police HQ on Queen Street, most locals are eager to see some radical change in Aberdeen.
Dozens of empty units currently line Union Street, buildings are unkempt and our retail offering is nothing to rival the likes of Glasgow or Edinburgh.
Over the last several years, the council has pulled together its vision for the city’s future – plotting out a masterplan for Aberdeen.
Now the Press and Journal has brought to life the static images to reveal how the city of the future could look…
How Aberdeen masterplan could bring tides of change to beach
The £150 million blueprint, if realised, would result in the complete transformation of the beach area.
Striking designs show a new pier and boardwalk encroaching into the North Sea, a festival area for outdoor events and gigs – and a total refurbishment of the city’s beloved Beach Ballroom.
If plans come to fruition a walk up the Beach Esplanade would connect the seafront area to the Castlegate – the entrance to the city centre.
How Castlegate could be rejuvenated
Designs also show plans to breathe new life into the square, which serves as the link between King Steet and Union Street.
It’s hoped it could provide an outdoor space for markets, cafe culture and socialising.
Continuing up Union Street, a new development in place of the former Police Scotland HQ would form Queen’s Square.
Here office, residential and retail space is hoped to complement each other, the nearby Marischal College and Marischal Square development.
But the SNP has stated in its manifesto the party would rather see an open green space being created in its place.
Masterplan aims to capitalise on Belmont Street
Belmont Street and Upperkirkgate, which is already a well-used destination for bars and restaurants, is hoped to be transformed into the city’s home for cafe culture.
Some politicians hope this will benefit from a pedestrianised section of Union Street, if the masterplan comes to pass.
Also within that section of the Granite Mile, a new food market is being constructed replacing the old BHS store and indoor market.
Out with the old and in with the new under Aberdeen masterplan
With work already under way to tear the old building down, this one seems on course to become a reality.
The development is also expected to transform The Green.
A short journey from there would lead to Union Terrace Gardens, currently undergoing a £28 million redevelopment.
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