A report on the short-term intervention stage of Beach Masterplan - which will focus on developing an urban park, an events park and new landscaping and structures on Broadhill - was considered in the full council meeting yesterday and councillors agreed that officers should progress with all relevant statutory consents required ahead of works commencing.

Councillors also instructed officers to begin early discussions with the planning authority ahead of submitting applications and that a Full Business Case (FBC) be reported to council in August 2023. 

Councillors also agreed a motion by council co-leader Councillor Ian Yuill to include cycle lanes as part of the first phase interventions.

The report followed a six-week period of public engagement and consultation, including engagement with children and young people, on the proposals, for which the majority of respondents were in favour.

Proposals for the urban park include a play park, sports area and pump track, canopies and now a cycle track while the events field is planned to be home to an amphitheatre, events field and hub building.

Broadhill will be re-landscaped and include new structures from which the revamped beach area can be viewed.

Council co-leader, Councillor Alex Nicoll, said: “I am delighted that we have been able to agree these important steps towards making the first phase of the Beach Masterplan a reality.

“Having such a fabulous stretch of beach on our doorstep is a real asset to the city. It is vitally important that we do everything we can to enhance the immediate area to make our seafront the envy of other cities and a place where local people and visitors alike will want to return to again and again.”

Fellow co-leader Councillor Yuill added: “Our aim is to make the beach area a fantastic public realm with multiple outdoor facilities and a welcoming landscape that will play host to events and become an attraction in its own right, as well as being a gateway to the sands and sea.

“Today is an important milestone in the process and we look forward to continuing to drive forward with our plans for transforming the beach area for the enjoyment of everyone.”

Meanwhile, A Mini Masterplan to transform the George Street area of the city is to be drawn up after councillors welcomed high-level proposals.

The Draft Mini Masterplan sets out a vision for a “vibrant, city centre community at the heart of reinvention” and as a place to form new social, cultural, economic and educational connections.

George Street runs north to south and formed a once historic key connection the city centre. The study area is bounded by the Bon Accord Centre, Gallowgate, Spring Garden and Charlotte Street, but it is anticipated benefits would be felt across the city.

The Mini Masterplan will feed into subsequent annual reviews of the City Centre and Beach Masterplan to ensure this wider strategy for the City Centre and the Beach remains up to date and relevant.