The council is sticking to its traffic ban plans at Aberdeen beach despite complaints from locals who say they “love” driving along the seafront.
Roads chiefs insist that other city streets are capable of handling an increase in “displaced” vehicles, but have stressed that those who “need” to drive to reach the coast will still be able to.
It comes as a new report reveals the results of a public consultation on the wider beach masterplan.
The public talks attracted 713 comments from locals – with 55% supporting the regeneration plans.
The most popular ideas were building a new Dons stadium, with a new leisure centre and ice rink as part of the complex.
The proposals are part of a £150 million masterplan aimed at rejuvenating Aberdeen following the decline of oil and gas, and devastating impact of the pandemic.
The other 24% of respondents were neutral and 21% were “generally unsupportive” of the plans.
What were the main concerns?
Concerns were raised around how realistic the bold blueprints actually are, how they would be paid for and the road changes attracted criticism.
The main issues related to transport, parking and access issues.
“Poor communication” from the council was blasted by those worried about not being allowed to take their car to the beach.
“The aim is to enable those who need to use a car to get to the beach to do so… But that driving ‘through’ the beach (i.e. the Esplanade/Beach Boulevard) is no longer permitted,” the report said.
It also stressed technical assessments show the city road network has the capacity to cope with the displaced traffic.
It went on: “King Street will not be a logical alternative for many of the people who currently use the Esplanade.
“Modelling suggests that a proportion of trips would reassign more strategically via North Anderson Drive and the Western Peripheral Route.”
Public transport not yet good enough
It was acknowledged, however, that public transport is not yet good enough.
But the documents stressed the redevelopment would act as a catalyst for improvement.
“Many older citizens reported feeling disconnected from the beach and commented that they can no longer access cafes, Beach Ballroom etc,” it said.
“Rejuvenation of the beachfront represents a significant opportunity to improve public transport levels in the area and discussions with operators will be ongoing throughout subsequent stages of the plans.”
Why touch Aberdeen’s beach at all?
A number of people felt there was no need for the beach to be improved at all.
One angry local said: “Honestly don’t think this team understand the people of Aberdeen.
“We love the beach, we love the fact that you can drive your car down the beach and park up next to the beach, why on earth would you try and take that away from people?
“All we want is for you to renew the beachfront and install lighting along the upper and lower levels of the walkway, so that people can use it all year round.
“This jewel in the crown is made up by the council, the Beach Ballroom is not a big
deal, letting the only family pool close for good is a big deal.
“This council is self-serving and does not represent the people who live in Aberdeen.”
‘It’s been neglected for decades’
But another said the beachfront had been neglected for years.
They said: “Our beachfront has been sadly neglected for decades.
“This investment and modernisation is desperately needed.
“I urge the plans to go ahead asap and it is vital that a new AFC stadium is included.”
The report acknowledged some respondents didn’t want to see change at the beachfront.
Forty-two comments were received stating the plans shouldn’t go ahead.
However, in May last year, the council undertook a public engagement exercise which returned a total of 7,697 responses.
Aberdeen beach among ‘top 10 priorities’ identified for city
It found the top 10 priorities for Aberdeen included improving connectivity to and the experience of the beachfront area.
As a result, this was taken as a mandate by the local authority to progress with a masterplan for the seaside.
The report, which will go before councillors next week, also addresses concerns over funding for the project.
But it says the “overall economic and wellbeing benefits” make it worth pursuing.
“Every opportunity” will be taken, it said, to secure external funding with applications being made to the likes of the UK Government’s Levelling Up fund and others.
The council is expected to learn if it has secured that £20m boost this month.
You can read more about the traffic ban plans here.
Conversation