Our Union Street campaign receives thousands of suggestions for …

Following the launch of the new Our Union Street[1] campaign, organisers have been keen to put the people of Aberdeen[2] first and see what they wanted done to put life back into the Granite Mile[3]. The new scheme was launched last month as the high street continues to battle with vacant units and dwindling shopping numbers. But when residents were asked what they wanted to see change about their city centre[4], people were quick to flock to the campaign’s website with some of their suggestions.

Asked what specifically people would like to see done to transform Union Street, thousands of responses were submitted in the online form, posing a wide range of ideas. Arguments around the pedestrianisation of the street continue to rumble on, with a number of residents wanting to see the proposals revisited after the council voted against the idea last year. It was a plan that divided the people of Aberdeen, but one that isn’t going away when revamping the street is discussed, but other radical changes were suggested.

Putting a roof over the Granite Mile akin to the likes of Trinity shopping centre in Leeds were suggested, with some posting the idea of partially covering sections of the street. But the image of Union Street as it is today was regularly mentioned, with respondents calling for the high street to be given a good clean and the buildings to have a shine about them once again.

Presentation was a strong theme in the responses, and while that often referred to cleaning up the street or bringing more greenery to the Granite Mile, it also was directed at the shops in place. Some suggesting removing betting shops and vape retailers to bring in more independent stores and businesses, as well as more places to grab a bite to eat or catch up with pals over coffee.

More chances to host events like Spectra and more spaces to bring families to the city centre and interactive areas along the route. Another theme that arose from the comments saw transport feature on several occasions, with some suggestions heading further afield than Union Street. Respondents wanted to see improvements to the bus and rail networks so that people from Aberdeenshire and beyond has more access to the city centre, including an electrified railway or reopened routes.

Aberdeen Rapid Transport, which has been proposed in recent months, was also brought up in the conversation when looking at how to bring people from across Aberdeen to Union Street with ease.

Norco House has faced an uncertain future since John Lewis quit Aberdeen in 2021

When asked what residents would like to see done among the city’s retailers, a whole host of intriguing suggestions emerged in the responses. One Dons fan suggested an Aberdeen FC superstore being opened on Union Street, while others pushed forward the idea of a department store such as a John Lewis make a return. The city has battled with some big losses in recent years, including John Lewis itself and Debenhams, with the Bon Accord M&S having also previously been at risk.

Independent businesses, local retailers, and well-known brands were also among the suggestions, with shoppers keen to see new names dragging them back to the Granite Mile. Asked how to tackle the vacant units along the high street that can’t be filled, plenty of suggestions for activities that could engage the public filtered through. This included pop-up shops or galleries and spaces for live music, as well as food vendors and performance space for theatre groups and others.

With the market building being demolished, there is little choice when looking for a similar venue, but that prompted calls for units to be turned into mini versions of the Aberdeen market. Small independent cafes were also proposed in the responses, and as shopping is moved online, it was clear people wanted more reasons than just splashing the cash in stores to visit Union Street.

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The fourth question asked respondents which cities Our Union Street could look to for inspiration, prompting suggestions such as London and their Covent Garden market to inspire a similar setting in Aberdeen. Edinburgh was mentioned for their use of George Street and St James Quarter, while others looked down the road to Dundee for taking inspiration on their city centre upgrades. Others turned their focus to the continent, proposing an Aberdonian take on the Avignon festival or bringing a similar culture seen in cities like Barcelona and Amsterdam to the north-east with more outdoor venues.

The last question stated ‘Would you be willing to join our volunteer force to help make these changes happen’, to which 70.9 per cent said yes, showing clear favour for the group’s aim of putting the people first. That equated to 856 people, with 356 respondents stating they would not want to take part; a total of 29.1 per cent of the vote. You can

Rail enthusiast completes UK’s longest rail journey from Aberdeen to Penzance[13]

Scottish Mountain Rescue warning after ‘serious incidents’ in recent weeks[14] Rich history of Fittie and its future to be explored in new exhibition this month[15] Engineering students turn RGU campus into ‘miniature race track’ to test electric bikes[16]

Aberdeen golfer claims GBP10k first prize in prestigious Rose Ladies Series[17]

References

1. ^ Our Union Street (www.aberdeenlive.news)
2. ^ Aberdeen (www.aberdeenlive.news)
3. ^ Granite Mile (www.aberdeenlive.news)
4. ^ city centre (www.aberdeenlive.news)
5. ^ Offshore worker found with over GBP500,000 of drugs in his Aberdeen home locked up (www.aberdeenlive.news)
6. ^ Aberdeen news (www.aberdeenlive.news)
7. ^ traffic and travel (www.aberdeenlive.news)
8. ^ health (www.aberdeenlive.news)
9. ^ here (www.aberdeenlive.news)
10. ^ Facebook Groups (www.facebook.com)
11. ^ Aberdeen Live Instagram (www.instagram.com)
12. ^ website (agcc.typeform.com)
13. ^ Rail enthusiast completes UK’s longest rail journey from Aberdeen to Penzance (www.aberdeenlive.news)
14. ^ Scottish Mountain Rescue warning after ‘serious incidents’ in recent weeks (www.aberdeenlive.news)
15. ^ Rich history of Fittie and its future to be explored in new exhibition this month (www.aberdeenlive.news)
16. ^ Engineering students turn RGU campus into ‘miniature race track’ to test electric bikes (www.aberdeenlive.news)
17. ^ Aberdeen golfer claims GBP10k first prize in prestigious Rose Ladies Series (www.aberdeenlive.news)