Plans for a new Mobility Hub and a designated Coach Parking Facility within the village of Ballater are moving forward with the launch of the next round of public consultation.
From Monday 24 November, locals and visitors to the area are invited to share their feedback on public transport improvements for the village.
The proposals are part of an ongoing project between Regional Transport Partnership Nestrans, Aberdeenshire Council, and Cairngorms National Park Authority. Designs showcase plans for a new mobility hub – a central spot where different modes of transport connect – and looks into future coach parking sites.
The work is funded through the Aberdeen City Region Deal as part of wider work to investigate potential sites for similar transport hubs around the North East.
An online survey will run from Monday 24 November until Friday 12 December and is available at www.nestrans.org.uk/ballater
In addition, everyone in the community, from residents to people working in local businesses, are welcome at a drop-in event on Tuesday, 25 November 2025 at the Mike Sheridan Room, Victoria and Albert Halls, Ballater, from 13:00–18:00. Display boards highlighting the project will be available to view and members of the project team will be on hand to discuss and answer queries.
Later that evening, a special session for the Community Council will take place, continuing the earlier discussions that contributed to shaping the proposals.
Earlier phases of the work sought to understand transport issues within the village. This consultation follows up on discussions from July 2024 which looked into moving the bus stop from Golf Road. After comparing several options, Church Square was chosen as the preferred location over Bridge Street.
The relocation of the bus stop remains a key element of the project and this consultation provides an opportunity to discuss designs (including shelter provision) to show what could be introduced at the proposed site on Church Square.
The proposed Mobility Hub would feature:
- The relocated Golf Road bus stop, responding to community feedback and support for improved access and accessibility outside the Co-op.
- A safer, more inclusive environment through removal of informal parking and introduction of a one-way system, shaped by local feedback.
- An enhanced layout with additional disabled bays and provision for a community car club vehicle, reflecting the priorities raised during consultation.
- The integration of transport modes (bus, walking, wheeling, cycling) to promote sustainable travel.
The village plays a key role as one of the area’s popular visitor and tourist destinations. To keep Ballater welcoming and accessible, it is important to consider the future demand for coach parking, and the impact this has on the village. This is particularly relevant as more cruise ships call in Aberdeen, bringing even more visitors to the area.
This project has taken significant steps forward by advancing plans for a dedicated coach park facility in or near Ballater to meet future demand. Eleven sites have been reviewed, with input from the community and other stakeholders; two preferred sites were identified along the A93 near the wastewater treatment plant and have now been progressed to outline design. While this marks important progress, partners recognise that further work is required to deliver a solution that balances visitor needs with community priorities.
Councillor Alan Turner, Vice Chair of Nestrans and Chair of Aberdeenshire Council’s Infrastructure Services Committee, said, “We are incredibly grateful for all the feedback we have received from residents, business and stakeholders throughout this process. Your input has helped us to shape the proposals to best reflect the community’s needs and as we move into this final stage, your input will help us to finalise those designs.”
Colin Simpson, Head of Visitor Services and Active Travel, Cairngorms National Park Authority said, “We are delighted to see these developments take shape for Ballater. The Mobility Hub will make it easier for people to choose sustainable travel options, improving bus access for residents and visitors while reducing congestion in the heart of the village.”
Following the consultation, an Outline Business Case for the Mobility Hub and Concept Design for Coach Parking will be finalised in December 2025. The final business case will be reported to both the Nestrans Board and the Aberdeen City Region Deal Joint Committee in early 2026. After which funding options will be explored for both the coach parking facility and the next stages of the Mobility Hub in the village centre.