September 1 2023

Aberdeen City Council and Keppie Design have set out a beachfront vision that will see the Granite City turn its best face towards the North Sea.

A detailed planning application covers the initial phase of the play and sports-focused waterfront masterplan and includes a dedicated beach hub and events space to draw activity to the shoreline.

Key interventions include the restoration of the Beach Ballroom and the creation of a boulevard connection to the city centre but the most eye-catching proposal is The Rope Park, a high-rise adventure park of swings, chutes and ladders that draws on the site's industrial past to weave together play spaces using 'rope strands'.

Outlining the concept behind the unconventional design Keppie wrote: "A long, linear element has been broken down into a number of different linear elements both to provide interest, options for different play abilities, and also to enable an appropriate layout arrangement within the site. One of the linear elements is tilted vertically to create a tower acting as a central hub to the play structure, offering exciting play opportunities and an iconic landmark.

"... the twisted interwoven strands making up rope are referenced by a dynamic twisting rotation of form along the length of all structures. The linear strand language is further reinforced by the cladding of the structures in curved ‘ribs’ which communicate the twisting effect and allow visibility through all elements for legibility and security."

Other interventions include a gateway building with a distinctive crinkled roof designed to mitigate against wind uplift. It will be joined by a series of matching canopies providing shelter and seating at strategic points.

Further to the north, a new events park is planned that will be suitable for hosting large-scale gatherings as well as more intimate performances at a formal amphitheatre.  

4 Comments

#1 Posted by Pauline on 2 Sep 2023 at 00:18 AM

Hopefully reality may be a little different. Looks like it would get boring/old rapidly.

#2 Posted by Jenny Greener on 2 Sep 2023 at 21:39 PM

Who is going to be there? Everyone has left the city

#3 Posted by Pat Sharp on 4 Sep 2023 at 15:59 PM

I want my Fun House back.

#4 Posted by Stuart Linsley on 8 Sep 2023 at 10:45 AM

Reminds me of the Redcar Beacon, which hasn't aged well.

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