Aberdeen’s Greyhope Bay team have revealed plans to turn Torry Battery into a dolphin-spotting destination with its own outdoor markets.
A launch event was held at the historic site on Thursday night, which was packed with people keen to learn more about the next stage of the project.
It was arranged in time to mark Greyhope Bay’s second anniversary, with the coastal cafe proving a popular addition to the beauty spot.
Initial proposals would see the existing building extended to add a community centre space for events and workshops.
Meanwhile, the partially demolished guard house could be transformed into an exhibition space.
And an outdoor market would be placed along the south wall of the Torry Battery.
New pathways and an outdoor seating area have also been included in the plans, with expansive views over the bay and all of Aberdeen.
Why does Greyhope Bay need extended?
Project leader Dr Fiona McIntyre said the expansion was needed following the “incredible success” so far, with the cafe “always busy”.
The venue is also forced to close if any events or workshops are taking place, meaning passersby hoping to stop in for a coffee are often turned away.
And, those who have been enjoying the space often come up with lots of ideas of what else the team could be doing at the historic site.
Greyhope Bay leaders spoke with locals about the future plans.
The first “co-creation” session was held in September last year, with architect Gokay Deveci of the Scott Sutherland School of Architecture and Natalia Alvarez.
‘This is no longer the dream of an individual’
Fiona said she felt “really proud” to be revealing the design images.
“We started with a blank piece of paper and a few questions, and we started to gather ideas – we got too many ideas but that’s a good place to be.
“It’s a good moment for this project, I think it really establishes who we are and what we stand for and what we hope for this historic site and this beautiful view.”
Project offers ‘bright new future’ for Torry Battery
Gokay explained the proposal reflects the team’s ambition to boost the community.
He said: “The project offers a bright new future for Torry Battery and creatively reuse existing assets, reaffirms the area’s environmental and historical value.”
Who are the locals who helped make the plans come together?
Volunteer Linda McDonald attended the co-creation sessions and said she can’t wait to see the expansion become reality.
Fellow volunteer Dorothy Elder, who takes on the role of Mrs Claus at Christmas, said Greyhope Bay has been a “lifeline” for her since the death of her husband.
‘It will bring so many people to the city’
Co-owner of coffee firm Mount, Jack Sim, also attended the design event to check out the plans.
He believes the development will help to bring more people to the already busy attraction.
Jack said: “If we are still here when it happens, it would be an amazing opportunity.
“We’ve only been here for a few months but the amount of people this place attracts is huge.
“For me, it’s probably one of the busiest spots in Aberdeen so by the time it gets to this stage, it will bring so many people to the city.”
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What will happen next for the Greyhope Bay expansion?
Members of the Greyhope Bay team say they are hoping to lodge an official planning application to Aberdeen City Council towards the end of the year.
Funding has been provided by the UK Government’s Levelling Up programme.
Greyhope Bay has secured a second round of funding from the programme which will propel the design proposals though the pre-planning stages.
Conversation