Plans have been submitted that may lead to further roadworks in Aberdeen city centre, aimed at ensuring the new Aberdeen Market can be adequately heated amid the ongoing Union Street revitalisation project.
The central portion of Union Street has been closed since May as part of a £20 million regeneration scheme. The latest proposal involves creating a trench for heating pipes to service the new market, an initiative spearheaded by a local energy firm.
The proposed project details a pipeline running from the Town House on Queen Street to the new market site. The pre-insulated pipes would connect to existing valves in the Town House car park, extending through Queen Street, Concert Court, Broad Street, Netherkirkgate, and finally descending Carnegies Brae to East Green, where it would enter the market premises.
This proposal is part of the city’s broader efforts to upgrade its infrastructure and improve energy efficiency. The local energy company, established by the city council in 2002, operates a district heating system that provides efficient heating and hot water to numerous properties throughout the city.
The redevelopment of Aberdeen Market, a £50 million project, was greenlit by city officials in November. Currently under construction, the site retains the old BHS façade to prevent potential damage to surrounding structures. The new market is envisioned as a dynamic food and drink hall, central to the city’s redevelopment plans.
The local energy firm’s district heating system is designed to simplify heating for both residential and commercial buildings. Hot water is generated at a central plant and distributed via a network of pipes, reducing the need for individual boilers and lowering maintenance costs. For commercial developments like the new market, the system employs a plate heat exchanger, which eliminates the need for a boiler and is typically installed in a basement plant room.
The broader vision includes a city-wide heat network, expected to be powered by an energy-from-waste plant. This initiative demonstrates the city’s commitment to sustainable energy solutions, aiming to provide a reliable and cost-effective heating network across the area.
The energy firm’s services extend beyond residential properties, covering schools, student accommodation, health centres, and sports facilities. This widespread reach highlights the company’s crucial role in the city’s energy framework.
As the Union Street rejuvenation project advances, the potential addition of roadworks for the heating pipeline may cause further disruptions to the city centre. However, the long-term benefits of a modernised, efficient heating system are likely to outweigh the temporary inconveniences.
In summary, Aberdeen’s dedication to upgrading its infrastructure and enhancing energy efficiency is clear in the proposed heating pipeline for the new market. As plans progress, residents and businesses can look forward to a more sustainable and energy-efficient future for the city. Future developments will continue to shape Aberdeen’s urban landscape, balancing immediate disruptions with the promise of long-term gains.
