Cafe 52 owner clears out pavilion as Aberdeen’s Green closes for demolition work

Workers appear poised to knock down the pavilion at the historic cobbled square in Aberdeen city centre.

By Ben Hendry & Isaac Buchan

August 6 2024, 1:41 pm

Steve Bothwell clearing his Cafe 52 pavilion. Image: Kath Flannery/DC Thomson

The owner of Aberdeen’s Cafe 52 has cleared out its popular pavilion as council crews prepare to remove it.

The Green has now been closed for two weeks as the work is poised to begin.

Fencing has been erected around the historic cobbled square after the row over the future of the outdoor dining space ended up in court.

Now, the council has attached posters to lampposts advising residents that The Green will be closed between Rennie’s Wynd and Hadden Street for several days.

The battle over the hut lasted for months. Image: Ben Hendry/DC Thomson

The temporary traffic restriction will last until 7am on Monday, August 19.

These works are described as “urgent”, with the fencing in place “in the interests of public safety”.

Delivery vehicles will still be allowed entry during this period.

These notices have been put up around the Cafe 52 pavilion. Image: Ben Hendry/DC Thomson

The final tables are taken out. Image: Kath Flannery/DC Thomson

What is happening at The Green?

Even after a judge ordered it be removed, customers were seen inside the Cafe 52 pavilion enjoying the space and a bite to eat last week.

As of Tuesday afternoon, it is still standing.

But owner Steve Bothwell has been removing furniture as council road workers survey the scene.

There are road closed signs now up on The Green. Image: Ben Hendry/DC Thomson

Seating is jumbled up outside the terrace. Image: Kath Flannery/DC Thomson

Will you miss the Cafe 52 pavilion when it’s gone? Let us know in our comments section below

The metal fences have been erected across a wide perimeter, with a Portakabin for workers inside the enclosed space and a small skip nearby.

Project leaders on the new Aberdeen market development say the pavilion will be carefully dismantled, so that it can later be pieced back together.

There is still space for people to reach the restaurant. Image: Ben Hendry/DC Thomson

Dejected owner moves items from Cafe 52 pavilion

The council is now taking it down, after initially offering Mr Bothwell the chance to do it himself.

The Cafe 52 boss today told us he would have taken it down by the August 19 date agreed.

He chatted to the P&J as he lumbered tables and chairs from the site in roasting temperatures.

Steve Bothwell emptying the Cafe 52 pavilion. Image: Kath Flannery/DC Thomson

The popular spot sits empty. Image: Kath Flannery/DC Thomson

Mr Bothwell said: “Of course I was going to do exactly what we agreed, but they’ve obviously decided that they don’t believe me for some strange reason.

“I have removed all the movable items to show the council that I am playing ball with them.

“They need to put a bit of trust in me for a change. I’ve not done anything wrong here, I’m doing what they asked.”

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