A snapshot survey of Union Street has revealed a drop in the number of vacant shops on Aberdeen’s famous thoroughfare.
Richard Noble, managing director of Granite City-based property firm FG Burnett walks the length of the Granite Mile once every six months to see how many ground floor retail units are empty.
His latest stroll from one end to the other revealed some welcome respite for a city centre that has arguably suffered more than its fair share of blows in recent years.
Mr Noble cautioned against reading too much into it, however, given the “obvious challenges our main thoroughfare will continue to face”.
Vacant upper floors are a concern. We need to see more coming back into use quicker.”
Richard Noble, managing director, FG Burnett
Of the 189 ground floor units included in the survey, 43 were vacant at the start of February – four fewer than last August.
Nearly one-quarter of all units are currently vacant but the numbers are changing all the time.
Deals were recently struck for several units which have still to fit out and open for trade.
The previous survey, last August, revealed a 25% vacancy rate – the highest percentage on record. It marked a reversal of a trend seen six months before.
‘Encouraging’ sign
Mr Noble said: “Of course, it’s encouraging to report a drop in empty units on Union Street.
“But there is no way we can say this is the beginning of a new trend – it’s too early for that, although we are seeing an increase in inquiries for Union Street.”
Lower rents and rates are encouraging businesses to take a fresh look at the city’s main street, he said, adding: “Many will be disappointed with the nature of the new occupiers but the horse has bolted as far as traditional retail uses are concerned.
“I would be delighted to see more fashion inquiries but that is not what we are seeing.”
He continued: “Vacant upper floors are a concern. We need to see more coming back into use quicker, with clear signalling to developers they will be pushing at an open door in overcoming common challenges in relation to planning and building control.
“Landlords are working hard to attract tenants – we see that every day from the behaviour of our clients.
“What would assist greatly is some fast-tracking of meaningful public realm projects and investment in dealing with the difficult anti-social behaviour challenge that seems to be on the rise in our central area.”
Units becoming vacant on the north side of Union Street since last August’s survey include those vacated by Shelter and NatWest have vacated, while The Print Room, I Crack Phones and an independent barber have moved in.
On the south side, Shuropody and Bank of Scotland have moved out but Attic, Poundland, Gidi Grill, Chicks ‘n’ Wings and another mobile phone independent have opened for business.
Emergency summit
An emergency summit was held late last year in an attempt to revive the fortunes of Union Street.
City business leaders came together to brainstorm 51 ideas to save Union Street.
It is not just shops which have gone, never to return. There are now only nine banks or building societies on the street, following the loss of another two in the past six months.
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