Today, Balmoral Group, owners of Marcliffe, announced its intention to acquire Woodbank, a Shell-owned property with hotel and leisure facilities, adjacent to the existing Marcliffe site on North Deeside Road, Pitfodels, Aberdeen.
This deal is subject to contract, which is well advanced. The move follows the hotel’s #MyMarcliffe survey in October 2024, which highlighted 34% of community respondents were looking for more leisure facilities to enhance Aberdeen’s luxury offerings.
Sir Jim Milne CBE, Chairman at Balmoral Group, owners of Marcliffe said: “We are thrilled to be set to acquired Woodbank, not only to develop the luxury experience for our guests but to also contribute meaningfully to Aberdeen’s economy.
"This acquisition significantly expands the Marcliffe site from eight acres to 22 acres. We are currently exploring how Woodbank can offer new experiences for guests and how the site will integrate into our existing footprint.
"While we’re focused on upholding what people have come to cherish about Marcliffe, we’re looking to the future ensuring that luxury, service and guest experience remain core to our vision.”
Shell UK Upstream Senior Vice President Simon Roddy said: “Shell UK Upstream welcomes the offer by the Balmoral Group for the purchase of Woodbank, which we are planning to pass into new ownership towards the end of the year.
"I know Woodbank has been a much-appreciated facility for so many employees, staff members and pensioners over decades.
"This opportunity is a positive move to secure a future for the property as part of the hotel complex, which the wider Aberdeen community can benefit from.”
The Woodbank property is situated on a 14-acre site. It has 21 bedrooms, seven meeting rooms, four private dining rooms and a fully equipped sports centre. Shell will continue to operate Woodbank and have use of its facilities until mid-November.