Contractors have started carrying out investigative work in Aberdeen as part of a multi-million pound revamp of Broad Street.

Workers are underway with hand excavations in front of Marischal College, in line with plans to turn Broad Street into a pedestrian-priority street.

The project is designed to revitalise the street as part of the City Centre Masterplan which aims to transform Aberdeen City Centre over the next 25 years. Major works are scheduled to begin next month.

Deputy Council Leader, Marie Boulton, said: "We are very excited about the start of the work to Broad Street which will help transform this part of the City Centre to help make it more pedestrian-friendly and a more attractive place to visit and work.


"The investigative work should be finished quickly and there shouldn't be too much disruption as it's on the paved area outside Marischal College.

"We look forward to the changes happening in the area as part of the City Centre Masterplan project."

Overall plans for Broad Street include a transformed and improved streetscape extending to Union Street and including the Gallowgate/Upperkirkgate junction. Other proposals will see a water feature installed, as well as a raised grass planter and several trees.Improvements will also be carried in lighting to Marischal College.

The cost of the design work, traffic order and construction is likely to be met in full by the money contributed by developer Muse for public realm work on Broad Street, Sustrans contribution, developer obligations money to improve Core Paths, and CCMP capital money.

(LM)