The Finance and Resources Committee heard yesterday that works continue to progress at the housing projects at Summerhill, Kaimhill, Tillydrone, and Cloverhill, while a value engineering exercise is being carried out for the sites at Craighill and Kincorth to try and deliver a more cost-effective capital cost for each project.

The local authority suspended the delivery of more than 300 council homes across the two developments last year due to rising costs associated with construction.

A report which went before the local authority’s finance and resources committee said the decision was taken in light of the inflationary pressures and increased costs in the housing sector.

The Craighill and Kincorth sites were then deemed to be back on track in July when the council said a value engineering review identified project savings. Yesterday’s update appears to suggest that exercise is still ongoing.

The developments are part of several sites that form part of the wider Aberdeen City Council Housing Programme 2020 aiming to address a long-term shortage of affordable social rented housing in the city.

The Craighill development aimed to have 99 units of varying size and type alongside associated shared surface streetscape, parking and both public and private amenity and open spaces. A generous proportion of the units were to be wheelchair accessible.

In 2021, the council lodged detailed plans to build 212 homes for rent on the site of the former Kincorth Academy. The development off Cairngorm Drive will comprise a mix of unit types with shared residential streets, parking and external amenities.

A report to committee gave updates for several key capital projects including:

• New Countesswells Primary School and Greyhope School & Community Hub – both open and brought into use;
• Tillydrone Primary School (new Riverbank Primary School) – work has started at the site;
• Union Terrace Gardens – snagging works continue, the grassed area has been turfed, and tenants for the remaining two pavilions;
• South College Street Improvement Junction - all project roads and junctions have reopened and the works are now substantially complete;
• Energy from Waste facility in Altens Industrial Estate - works and commissioning are now complete and acceptance of the facility is expected soon;
• Tillydrone Cruyff Court – works started last month (October 2023) with an anticipated completion date of Spring 2024;

Committee convener Councillor Alex McLellan said: “Aberdeen City Council is investing in a range of capital projects across the city to ensure our city is a place people want to live, work, raise a family, or invest.”

A separate report to committee on the council’s financial delivery on the capital programme said several projects have been added to the programme following confirmation of funding awards from the Scottish Government:

• Up to £309,000 for school age childcare;
• £150,000 for coastal change adaption;
• £4,000 for the Community Bus Fund.

The Denburn Restoration project will be added to future updates of the programme, the report said.

Meanwhile, funds were also approved for a new £1 million playpark which will be designed to cater for all ages of youngsters in Hazlehead Park.

The massive new structure will be located at the site of the current playpark and will include works to the surrounding areas including drainage.

The project funds include £900,000 from a Scottish Government and Convention of Scottish Local Authorities £50m fund for local authorities for the refurbishment of children’s play parks and £100,000 from Aberdeen City Council funding.

Committee convener Councillor Alex McLellan said: “I am pleased the plans for Hazlehead playpark are moving forward with the funding received from the Scottish Government.

“The park is popular with families and young people which I am sure will only continue following this investment.”

The new playpark will include:

• A design phased with age bands, with equipment for younger people to older ones;
• There is a large unit for inclusivity and ensuring all can play within the park;
• Large tower units which will bring a wow factor into the park;
• A purpose-made trail through the wooded section to give a different dynamic of play;
• Fixed formal play elements, interactive panels, and roleplay play options.

Beyond the play equipment, improvements will be made to drainage to the site and there will be new seating, picnic benches and bins, new landscaping, new safety surfacing and grass zones.

Initial designs have been drawn up by the contractor and these may be tweaked after a public consultation however the main design will remain. Consultations will take place with local schools and community groups.