Aberdeen Market: before and after demolition

Aberdeen Market: before and after demolition

This exhibition features photographs by Roddy Millar showcasing aspects of Aberdeen Market, the BHS building and the surrounding area before and after demolition in 2022. Demolition work began in March 2022. The before images date from recent years and the after images show the site awaiting redevelopment in 2023.

The third Aberdeen Market, the building shown here, was opened to the public on Wednesday 6th November 1974. The foundation stone of the Market's first incarnation, designed by Archibald Simpson, was laid in October 1840. The building was complete and opened in May 1842. This first Market was destroyed by fire in April 1882. It was rebuilt, to be known as the New Market, during 1883-84. This second incarnation stood until 1971 when it was demolished to make way for the complex shown in this exhibition.

Aberdeen City Council purchased Aberdeen Market and the BHS building in 2021 with plans for its redevelopment. Aberdeen Market had closed at the beginning of the first Covid-19 pandemic lockdown and its operator, Aberdeen Market Village, had ceased trading in June 2020. The BHS building had been vacant for approximately 7 years at the time of purchase.

Aberdeen City Council sees the redevelopment of the site as a critical component in its City Centre Masterplan. This plan aims to re-establish the central role of Union Street in the life of the city, strengthen links between north and south and create a destination for shopping and other city centre activities.

At the time of writing in 2023, aims for the development include to improve pedestrian connectivity between Union Street and the bus and railway stations via the Green and to enliven Hadden Street and Market Street with urban realm improvements.

The site is to be developed with attractive market-style floorspace to create a destination venue with elements promoting local produce and goods alongside continental-style delicatessen, cafes, and food outlets.

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