Aberdeen beach boardwalk to be designed with safety in mind after locals flag concerns

The plans are part of a £150 million regeneration of the city centre and beach areas. But public feedback has focused on safety concerns and the need for the structure.

By Alastair Gossip

April 25 2023, 11:45 am

Design images of the proposed Aberdeen beach boardwalk. Image: Aberdeen City Council

Locals have raised safety fears about a new boardwalk planned as part of a multi-million-pound Aberdeen beach facelift.

Detailed proposals for the pier will now take into account concerns such as the potential “suicide risk” flagged by worried members of the public.

The issue came up as residents took part in a consultation on the high-level plans to redevelop the beach year.

The proposed centrepiece would extend the promenade out over the sand in front of the Beach Ballroom.

Planners front up to Aberdeen beach boardwalk safety concerns

Officials alluded to worries raised about the pier in December – but this is the first time the mental health risk has been directly addressed.

At the end of last year, planners promised to continue engaging with beach users and organisations including the Aberdeen Water Safety Group on the scheme.

Commissioning director Gale Beattie said: “Any future proposals for the boardwalk, where it may project over the beach or water, will need to be designed with awareness of locations of concern for suicide risk.”

Early designs for the Aberdeen beach boardwalk have shown a sculpture, which will light up the area and draw inspiration from the Northern Lights. Image: Aberdeen City Council. — Early designs for the Aberdeen beach boardwalk have shown a sculpture, which will light up the area and draw inspiration from the Northern Lights. Image: Aberdeen City Council

Public feedback on the boardwalk focused on the “need for and safety of such a structure”.

Specialist advice will be taken on the health and safety and security of the structure, as well as its impact on the coastal ecosystem and flood risk, planners said.

A bird's eye view of the proposed boardwalk, continuing Aberdeen's Beach Boulevard across the sands. Image: Aberdeen City Council. — A bird’s eye view of the proposed boardwalk, continuing Aberdeen’s Beach Boulevard across the sands. The other side of the pier would continue the prom out from the Beach Ballroom. Image: Aberdeen City Council

Concerns have also been raised about safety during inclement weather and big waves.

In response to those points, the pier will be “robust and suitable for harsh marine environments, in line with relevant building standards and regulations”.

Planners also said it would slope up as it heads out towards the sea.

Boardwalk could be built as part of Aberdeen £150 mllion facelift

The boardwalk is part of a £150 million refresh of the city centre masterplan, which now is also to map out a new-look beachfront.

City planners describe this image of Vancouver waterfront boardwalk as "aspirational". Image: Aberdeen City Council. — City planners describe this image of Vancouver waterfront boardwalk as “aspirational”. Image: Aberdeen City Council.

As officials draw up the proposals, they have revealed hopes the pier “will become a focal point, forming a new key public space between the Beach Boulevard, the Esplanade and the North Sea. A viewing point out to the North Sea.”

Officials hope it can help boost accessibility at the beach by offering a new level out over the water.

There are hopes of using glazed or mesh balustrades to lend the new pier a sense of “openness towards the sea”.

They also want a sculpture and light artwork at the end of it, which could symbolise the Northern Lights.

Masterplan has already brought safety boost to troubled Aberdeen site

More than 700 people gave input on the beachfront development framework, with 55% of those “generally supportive” compared to 21% who were not.

As 2022 ended, Union Terrace Gardens was reopened to the public after its delayed refurbishment as part of the first wave of masterplan work.

Union Bridge reopened last April after being upgraded as part of the £30m Union Terrace Gardens refurbishment. Image: Wullie Marr/DC Thomson. — Union Bridge reopened last April after being upgraded as part of the £30 million Union Terrace Gardens refurbishment. Image: Wullie Marr/DC Thomson.

A key part of that project was adding safety barriers to Union Bridge.

And top brass later offered reassurances that a high walkway into the sunken gardens could pose a similar risk.

Officials take chance to reword and clarify lay of the land ahead of Aberdeen beach revamp

Council planners have reworded much of the city centre and beach masterplan documents after the public feedback.

That includes digging a new chasm in the city’s talks with Aberdeen FC over a new seafront stadium with the addition of the word “potential”.

Glossier design images of the Aberdeen beachfront regeneration - featuring a boardwalk and new football stadium - were released in 2021. Image: Aberdeen City Council. — Glossier design images of the Aberdeen beachfront regeneration – featuring a boardwalk and new football stadium – were released in 2021. Image: Aberdeen City Council.

On the boardwalk, officials have reiterated that the designs produced so far as “conceptual, indicative and illustrative”, with detailed plans to be drawn up in time.

As a new structure in the ocean, officials have spelled out the extra permissions needed – on top of planning approval – if the boardwalk, and nearby new slipway, are to go ahead.

Consent from Marine Scotland would be required, which will prompt environmental impact assessments of the process.

Any foray into the sea – including construction work or also “immediately” required coastal works – comes under its remit.