Futuristic ‘play factory’ unveiled as council progresses £50 million first stage of Aberdeen Beach revamp

New images show the unique park will be "at the heart" of the waterfront masterplan.

By Denny Andonova

August 17 2023, 1:15 pm

Aberdeen City Council has revealed their vision to revitalize the beachfront and create an "exceptional" asset for the city. Image: Aberdeen City Council.

Multi-million plans to revitalise Aberdeen’s beach have rocketed forward as fresh images of a spaceship-like “play factory” emerge.

Council chiefs have given another glimpse into how the waterfront area could look following the proposed revamp.

It comes as experts price up the cost of the first stage of the overhaul – featuring a new amphitheater, an events field and the play area – at £48 million.

The beach park will cover a large area with different features for play and relaxation. Image: Aberdeen City Council.

And fresh reports also reveal the full cost of the beach masterplan, including a potential stadium, could be a whopping £441 million.

Architects went back to the drawing board earlier this year after residents shared their personal preferences for the area.

The Hub plaza, located right of the play factory, will have water features with dune landscape in the background. Image: Aberdeen City Council.

These included creating more picnic spaces, a wheelchair friendly playground with interactive activities, and better cycling paths.

And their vision is taking shape, with preliminary work poised to begin within months.

Where are we now with the plans?

Top brass are now rolling up their sleeves to kick start the first phase of the project, with a new report being discussed by councillors next week.

This would revolve around developing a “play factory” for children, and an events field.

This birds eye illustration shows the scale of the beach masterplan. Image: Aberdeen City Council.

Walkways and cycling lanes will also be upgraded to form a “pedestrian spine” between the different zones.

The local authority hopes this would reduce car journeys in the area by at least 20%, while also encourage double the footfall into beachfront.

Play park to bring ‘wow’ factor back to Aberdeen beach

Hoped to create an “exceptional” asset for the city, the beach park will form a new interactive playground for children.

It is said this will be “at the heart” of the proposals, aimed to make the beachfront more vibrant and engaging.

Design image of Aberdeen beach playpark — Under the proposals, the beach park will include a wheelchair accessible sports and games zone. Image: Aberdeen City Council.

The play park will be composed with different futuristic elements to “bring drama and animation to spaces” – including eye-catching UFO-like slides and swings.

A bespoke play structure – called the Rope Factory – will be erected at the core of the playground as a unique feature.

The first phase of the project includes building an amphitheater next to the Beach Ballroom.

Canopy features will offer sheltered seating across the park. Image: Aberdeen City Council.

All of these features will be separated by “civic plazas”, offering residents relaxing open spaces for a picnic or a gathering.

There will be a designated sheltered area where the outdoors can be enjoyed regardless of the weather.

What is the events field all about?

Once completed, the city’s Christmas markets, fireworks displays and outdoor concert events could all be held there.

The events field will also be opened for public use, providing a green space for day-to-day activities such as family football games, and other games.