Aberdeen's Union Street improvements face further delays

Improvements to Aberdeen's Union Street could face further delays, according to a new council report.

Aberdeen City Council (ACC) officials said current "risks" within planned work could push completion to early autumn, rather than late summer.

The work had been due to be completed last year.

The stretch of Union Street between Bridge Street and Market Street has already been closed for two years for new road surfacing, dedicated bus and cycle lanes, and other work.

Last year, contractors said obstacles below ground had contributed to delays.

Among the problems it had encountered were deep hidden manholes, old tram wires, and more than 20 clusters of undocumented utility pipes and cables.

The budget for the works have also increased to almost £23.8m, up from a previous estimate of £17m.

A new report to go before ACC's finance and resources committee on Wednesday said: "Since start on site, there has been additional work required to deal with the removal of undocumented and redundant utilities and the complex vaulted structures.

"These and productivity constraints arising from the logistical challenges presented by the site have resulted in programme delays.

"There are a number of risks still present within the planned works, which if realised, are likely to extend the works into early autumn 2026."

The update to councillors added that nearby work at the Castlegate and a new market at the Green were still expected to be complete next year.

ACC previously said the new market would create a "destination venue featuring international-style food and drink outlets".