Construction is poised to begin on the new £50m Aberdeen Market set to be at the heart of the Granite City's regeneration.

The project, which has been carefully planned for a number of years, was unanimously given the go-ahead by councillors on Aberdeen City Council's (ACC) Planning Development Management Committee.

Operated by Aberdeen's McGinty group, it's expected that the city centre hotspot be open in 2025.

A modern-day Borough Market

The latest development follows a number of improvements made to the city, including a new art gallery and refurbished Union Terrace Gardens.

A view of the Market from Carmelite Street

Speaking following the approval of the plans, Russell Borthwick, Chief Executive of Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce, said:
"The City Centre Masterplan vision is something we all need to buy into, even if we personally don’t like every detail of every project. We need to move into the 21st century and create a place people want to visit.

"So far, we already have Marischal Square - a civic square to be proud of, Provost Skene’s House, the refurbished Music Hall, our incredible new Art Gallery and Union Terrace Gardens.

"Next, we’ll get a really cool space that will be a modern day version of Borough Market in London. Somewhere where our local artisan food and drink producers can find an audience. A place for independent bars, café’s and restaurants to cut their teeth, all coordinated by an operator that knows and cares about Aberdeen."
 

Steps on Market Street

Continuing, Mr Borthwick said:
“It will also connect Union St more easily with the rail & bus stations, provide an outdoor events space and support regeneration of the Green & Merchant Quarter.

“It’s big, iconic, placemaking projects like this that create confidence, drive more footfall and encourage the private sector to invest in the city centre.

“This is a significant investment by Aberdeen City Council - supported by UK Government levelling-up funding - at a time when public funds are stretched. It’s building on the great progress being made by Our Union Street, Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce, Aberdeen Inspired and other partners.

“If you care about your home city, stop talking it doon and get yersels into toon!”

Breathing new life into Union Street

The £50million project will stand where the old marker and BHS once stood on the Granite Mile, while an open bridge will provide a walking route from Union Street to the Green.

The open space will be able to screen live sports matches

The plans are for a food hall on the lower floor with up to 10 vendors to choose from, and bar run in collaboration with local brewery Fierce Beer.

A number of small retail spaces are also available, and the bar and a coffee shop will include an outdoor balcony will overlook The Green.

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