Inside plans for long-awaited Aberdeen market as city centre transformation takes shape

Aberdeen’s long-awaited new market is taking shape as work continues on one of the city centre’s biggest regeneration projects.

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The development, which will be known as Flint, is being built between Union Street, Market Street and The Green on the site of the former Aberdeen Indoor Market and neighbouring BHS building.

Designed as a modern food, drink, retail and events destination, it will include a large central food hall surrounded by individual kitchens and trader units, communal seating and flexible space for live entertainment and events.

Hospitality group The McGinty’s Group has been appointed to operate the venue and has started looking for independent food and retail businesses to take space inside.

Plans have also included a central stage for music, comedy and community events, with The Green outside expected to become part of the attraction through outdoor seating, markets and other activity.

There will be a new pedestrian route linking Union Street with The Green, Market Street and the railway and bus stations.

The Flint name refers to evidence of flint working around The Green thousands of years ago and is intended to connect the history of the site with its new use.

Construction is continuing, with the main building expected to be completed in spring 2027 before internal fit-out work takes place.

The latest council timetable points towards an opening in early autumn 2027.

The project is expected to cost around £31 million and forms a major part of Aberdeen City Council’s plans to bring more people back into the heart of the city.

After years of planning, demolition and construction, Flint is now moving closer to becoming the new food and hospitality hub Aberdeen has been waiting for.

The main base build is expected to be finished in spring 2027. Internal fitting-out work is then expected to continue into the summer, followed by installations controlled by the operator.

The council currently anticipates Flint being ready to open in early autumn 2027. Aberdeen City Council

The building itself is already increasingly visible. By September, the huge glass frontage overlooking The Green had been installed and work was continuing on the roof and cladding, with the development moving towards becoming wind and watertight.

An overhead view of the plans for Aberdeen city centre with the market
Flint

At the heart of Flint will be a large food hall designed to bring together independent traders, cafés and street-food style operators under one roof.

Plans have included a series of individual kitchen units arranged around communal seating, allowing visitors to order from different businesses while eating together in the main hall. The McGinty’s Group, which will operate the venue, has already started looking for food and retail traders to take space in the development.

The market is also being designed as an events venue rather than simply somewhere to eat.

A flexible central space will be capable of hosting live music, comedy, community events and other performances, with seating that can be adapted depending on how the venue is being used.

In August, Allan Henderson, CEO of The McGinty’s Group, said: “It’s been very exciting to see the building develop over the last few months.

“With works on schedule, we are only about year away from opening the doors to the public and showcasing the fantastic Flint.

“We’ve already received plenty of interest from various local companies who are keen to learn more about the market and take on some of the units.

“With both food and retail units available, we are keen to curate a collaborative space that will ultimately help to shine a light on amazing food and drink producers from the north-east.”

McGinty’s Group has now begun recruiting the businesses that will bring the food hall to life, with 11 food units and nine retail spaces being marketed to established operators and start-ups.