PLANS for almost £1.4 million of repairs to Aberdeen’s historic Beach Ballroom have been unveiled as the council looks to secure the future of the century-old venue.
The future of the beloved ballroom became uncertain when later stages of Aberdeen’s wider beach redevelopment were delayed last year.
The Press and Journal reports that Aberdeen City Council officers have recommended setting aside £1.39m for work on the B-listed seafront building, including rebuilding its distinctive dome roof, replacing windows and improving disabled access.
The venue had been expected to undergo a major refurbishment in now-shelved plans, with planning vice-convener Martin Greig warning at the time that some of the work “might never happen”.
Now, newly-published council papers set out a package of repairs following assessments of the building by specialist consultants.
Among the proposed work is the reconstruction of the ballroom’s dome and the replacement of sections of roof tiles.
The windows in the Star Ballroom could also be fully replaced, while wheelchair lifts would be installed to improve access to the upper levels of the building.
Council finance convener Alex McLellan welcomed the plans and said the ballroom could become a centrepiece of the wider regeneration of Aberdeen's seafront.
Speaking to the Press and Journal, he said: “The Beach Ballroom is such an important venue, I am pleased the initial plans can now progress.
“The Beach Ballroom has the potential to be the crown jewel in our beachfront re-developments, and we are working on ensuring the venue can unlock its full potential in years to come.”
The Beach Ballroom opened in 1926 and has become one of Aberdeen’s best-known entertainment venues, hosting performers including The Beatles, Pink Floyd and The Who during its history.
Concerns have previously been raised over the condition and future of the building if investment was not forthcoming.
Last year, the council also sought permission for additional security measures around the venue in an effort to deter vandalism.
The ballroom had been earmarked for redevelopment during a later phase of the council’s transformation of Aberdeen beachfront.
Earlier designs envisaged extensions to the building's roof and a pedestrianised plaza outside, alongside a replacement for the neighbouring Beach Leisure Centre.
However, those wider plans were subsequently delayed.
The first phase of the beachfront redevelopment is meanwhile nearing completion, including a new events area and playpark opposite the ballroom.
Further details about the longer-term plans for the Beach Ballroom have yet to be revealed, but the proposed repair package would address parts of the building identified as requiring urgent attention.
If approved, the council expects to appoint a contractor this winter, with work anticipated to be completed between late 2027 and early 2028.
Councillors are due to vote on the proposals next Wednesday.
