Transforming Aberdeen: The Granite City’s Latest Development and Upcoming Projects by Graham + Sibbald.

The built environment in Aberdeen has witnessed significant changes to its built environment and infrastructure within the last five years. To name a few examples this includes the completion of Aberdeen Harbour South, the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route and the re-opening of Union Terrace Gardens. These strategic projects crucially relate to the prosperity of the economy and from a commercial property perspective this is intrinsically linked to harnessing investor appetite in the city.

Looking ahead, the following are key projects which property professionals can keep in mind when answering ‘why’ landlords, investors and tenants should focus their attention on Aberdeen:

1. Aberdeen Market

Construction is well underway at the Aberdeen Market, centrally located on Hadden Street and Market Street. The venue to be known as Flint is due to open in 2027 and will feature a range of international style food and drink outlets. A key outcome for this development will be to improve pedestrian footfall and connectivity between Union Street and the bus/rail Station.

2. Aberdeen Rapid Transit (ART)

Aberdeen Rapid Transit is a proposed public transport system aiming to provide high quality, fast and reliable services across the city. ART will operate across two city lines, one from Portlethen to Aberdeen Airport/Craibstone P&R, and the other from Westhill to Blackdog. More recently plans for Aberdeen Rapid Transit have been brought to the public realm, with a period calling for public engagement spanning from 30^th September 2025 to 7^th November 2025. The outcome for this project expands on broader requirements for the region to have access to a modernised public transport network, enhancing connectivity across the city and shire. Nestrans currently estimate another 5-10 years? before delivery of ART.

3. Aberdeen Beach Masterplan

One of the city’s best assets is its beachfront, which is now benefitting from a £50 million redevelopment to include new facilities such as play parks and event spaces. Similar to the market, this development is well underway, with estimated completion autumn 2026 for the park and events field. The outcome for this project is to revitalise a space already used and loved by Aberdeen citizens and strengthen the city’s reputation as a beachside destination.

4. Energy Transition Zone (ETZ)

ETZ Ltd was formed in 2021 as a private sector led, non-for-profit company, with the goal of repositioning the northeast of Scotland as the net zero energy capital of Europe.  The zone covers around 40 hectares of developable land and features specialist campuses; all part of a larger c.250 hectare designated area. Key outcomes include facilitating the journey to decarbonisation and net zero, providing skills and training, and ensuring a ‘just transition’ particularly for those in the oil and gas industry. Several anchor projects are operational, but plans look towards scaling this infrastructure and continuing to deliver skills facilities that the energy sector demands.

The above is just a quick snapshot of a few key strategic developments happening in Aberdeen where main themes cover placemaking, regeneration, job creation and connectivity, all of which have significant implications for economic growth and ultimately investment into the city. As with any major projects there are challenges along with the opportunities, property professionals are well placed to engage on a multi-agency basis to collaborate and work on maximising these benefits to the region.

You can see all of the available commercial property listed by Graham + Sibbald on NovaLoca here.

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