A tram shed which has had a complete refurbishment and installation of information panels has been officially opened by pupils who played a huge part in the improvements.
The terminus building in Hazlehead Park is located at the end of the Avenue running track which used to be part of the tram route, has had its wooden structure repaired, granite walls repointed, roof repaired and re-slated, been entirely repainted, and information panels installed - thanks to the fundraising efforts of Friends of Hazlehead Park to save and revitalise this piece of the city’s heritage.
Information panels within the shelter highlight historic photographs and explain the early history of trams in Aberdeen, the golden years of the trams, the conversion of trams to buses, and traces of trams that remain around the city.
As a partner of the Friends of Hazlehead charity, Hazlehead Primary School youngsters researched the history of Aberdeen’s trams and decided on which images should be included on the panels and helped with the content. Several Aberdeen City Council departments also contributed to the work to rejuvenate this heritage site.
Aberdeen City Council Education and Childrens’ Services convener Councillor Martin Greig said: “It is great to see the transformation to the Hazlehead tram shed as it is one of several highlights in the park in recent years including the new playpark. We thank the Hazlehead Primary pupils for their help preserving this important piece of their local history.
“We thank the Friends of Hazlehead for fundraising to allow the transformation of the tram shed which I’m sure will have many visitors.”
Hazlehead Primary School pupils with Donald Shaw, Councillor Martin Greig, Councillor Ian Yuill, headteacher Barbara Jones, school teacher Neil Anderson, and the Council's environmental manager Steven Shaw
Friends of Hazlehead chairman Donald Shaw said: “Hazlehead Park is a fantastic place to visit, and the refurbishment project of the park’s Heritage Tram Terminus is yet another attraction for people when visiting the park. We’ve managed to save a piece of Aberdeen’s transportation heritage from disrepair for generations to come.
“Many people did not realise the history of the building despite it being in a very prominent place beside one the main car parks so it is great to see the refurbishment and interest that it has generated from park users. The Friends would like to thank all of our funding contributors, and both Hazlehead Primary and Aberdeen City Council for helping to bring this project to its successful conclusion.”
The first standard gauge horse tram route opened in Aberdeen on 31 August, 1874, and they were an instant success - during their first year, the horse trams carried more than 1.1 million passengers.
The network expanded across the city and the trams were later electrified. By the end of 1903, the tram fleet had expanded to 69 with new routes to Torry, Ferryhill, and Duthie Park.
Owing to the great popularity of Aberdeen’s then-new park at Hazlehead and the consequent demand for increased travelling facilities, it was decided to extend the tram track from the Rubislaw terminus.
It was realised that the heavy demand, especially at weekends, could best be met by the tramcar with its large seating capacity. As soon as the decision was made, the work was pushed on with all possible speed. On 16 July 1924, the extension was formally declared opened by Lord Provost Sir William Meff who drove the first car to Hazlehead.
Along with the Hazlehead tram terminus building, there are two other surviving tram sheds in Aberdeen. Aberdeen Science Centre was a swimming pool, converted to tram depot which was known as the Beach Depot (or more officially) Constitution Street Depot. Torry Tram Depot also still exists at the junction of Market Street/North Esplanade West and is now the Petrofac building.
Hazlehead Park is the largest park in Aberdeen at 180 hectares, and is one of the oldest and most historical properties in the city with Royal connections dating from Robert The Bruce and Mary, Queen of Scots.