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‘Our customers won’t come’: Traders say George Street masterplan changes could be ‘catastrophic’ for Jopp’s Lane

Business owners believe the proposed scheme could put customers off from visiting them.

Pictured on Jopps Lane are Elane Colville of The Closet and Rachel Mearns of Aberdeen Academy of Performing Arts. Image: Kath Flannery/DC Thomson
Pictured on Jopps Lane are Elane Colville of The Closet and Rachel Mearns of Aberdeen Academy of Performing Arts. Image: Kath Flannery/DC Thomson

Business owners on Aberdeen’s Jopp’s Lane say a proposed masterplan for George Street could be “catastrophic” for local firms.

Rachel Mearns of Aberdeen Academy of Performing Arts is annoyed that firms in the area had not been spoken to about the radical changes envisioned for the area.

Under the council’s plan, the already narrow Jopp’s Lane could have its pavements expanded making it more difficult for motorists to reach businesses.

Rachel Mearns in her studio. Image: Scott Baxter/DC Thomson 

It comes after councillors were due to discuss the near 100-page masterplan to make George Street “bustling and vibrant”.

But following a heated meeting, it was delayed to a future date.

‘We would lose business’

Addressing members at the Town House before this, Rachel argued the proposal “would not work whatsoever”.

She fears that her loyal customer base of almost 400 families will be put off attending the dance school if they can’t access it easily.

An artist impression of the changes that could be heading to Jopp’s Lane. Image: Aberdeen City Council

She explained that police told her any vehicles forced to reverse back on to John Street as a result of the change would be breaking the highway code.

“We must have space for cars to pass,” she pleaded.

“Just the consequences road-wise for us would be catastrophic, we would lose business,” she said.

Rachel Mearns and Elane Colville. Image: Kath Flannery/DC Thomson

The emotional dance instructor added: “I understand there is a plan to reduce cars in the city centre, but what cost is this going to be to local businesses?

“If our customers cannot access us in a hassle-free way, they are not going to come.”

George Street masterplan cash could be used elsewhere in the city

Rachel also took aim at the timing of the masterplan discussion, as it was added to the agenda just as the local authority launched a consultation on its budget proposals.

She believes the cash that would be used transforming the area could be better spent elsewhere – like on libraries and pools.

Pavements on Jopp’s Lane could be widened, leaving less room for vehicles. Image: Aberdeen City Council

But the dance academy principal did welcome some parts of the masterplan including more CCTV and improved lighting.

She explained: “We want the city centre to be rejuvenated and a great place to be – but I just feel in these times, throwing up hurdles for us isn’t the way to do it.”

Fears Jopp’s Lane will become a ‘no-go zone’

Meanwhile, Elane Colville has been running vintage clothing shop The Closet for the last 18 years.

The business was founded in 1980 in Woolmanhill but later moved to Jopp’s Lane.

Elane is “all for change” in the area as she believes it has been “overlooked” in the past.

Inside The Closet vintage clothing shop on Jopps Lane. Image: Kami Thomson/DC Thomson

But she admitted she wouldn’t have known about the George Street masterplan if it hadn’t been for Rachel.

“I’m really happy this has been included in the budget, but to think they would use funds to narrow a street that is already narrow seems a bit crazy to us,” she said.

“If it becomes narrower it will become a no-go zone.”

The Aberdeen Academy of Performing Arts and The Closet are both located in Jopp’s Lane. Image: Kath Flannery/DC Thomson

Businesses want to see ‘targeted positive change’

However Elane heaped praise on George Street, saying its “vibrant” neighbourhood reminds her of the time she spent living in London.

“For George Street to get love and attention is great.

“All of us are happy for change but targeted positive change is what we want.”

You can read more about the proposed George Street masterplan here:

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