Councillors vote for Castlegate improvements to be carried out
28/05/08
Aberdeen City Council today agreed to make improvements to the city’s historic Castlegate to make it easier to walk on, particularly for disabled people.
Central Committee Members unanimously agreed that work should go ahead in four phases, once money for the project has been identified. That funding will have to be identified from future budgets as there is none available at this stage.
Consultations and surveys carried out in the area concluded that the existing Castlegate surface was neither suitable for walking on, or for wheelchair users, nor fit for purpose for events occasionally held there.
Members voted that the work would take place in the following four stages:
Phase 1
An even walking surface for pedestrians will be introduced along the frontages of existing business and residential properties, to provide ease of access for owners, residents, potential customers, and others using the area.
This will also provide a vital connectivity between King Street, Marischal Street, Castle Street, Union Street, Justice Street, Castle Terrace, and beyond. It will also highlight to motorists entering the area that pedestrians have priority, by raising the level of surfacing in front of the Citadel to that of the remaining area.
Phase 2
This will consist of improvements to the central western section of the Castlegate, where there is a significant pedestrian footfall. The improvements here would provide a better walking area, and better standing area for events. The work will allow for significant visual improvement of the area when approaching from Union Street, enhancing the aesthetics and encouraging more people into the Castlegate.
Phase 3
The third phase of the work involves the resurfacing of the entire Castlegate area to replace the existing uneven and uncomfortable walking surface and remove the maintenance concerns, including drainage, trip hazards, and loose slabs throughout.
Consideration will be given to the streetscape such as street lighting, street furniture, pedestrian safety barriers, and to recreational uses of the area. Access for deliveries for adjacent properties would be maintained.
Phase 4
The Plainstanes section of the resurfacing work, outside the Mercatgate Sheriff Court Annexe, constitutes the final phase of the project. This part of the area is a vital link between Union Street, Castle Street, and the Castlegate.
The current walking surface is uneven and, on various levels with street furniture, a busy bus stop, and a monument. It is not easily negotiable by a wheelchair user. The new surface would maximise space for pedestrians and people waiting for buses.
If you have any queries regarding this, or any other news story, please contact Aberdeen City Council on: 01224 522000.
