Ongoing roadworks at Holburn Street have been described as “an absolute nightmare” by local businesses who have lost customers because of the chaos.
The road is home to many independent stores, many of whom say they have seen a drop in footfall since works began on March 7.
The Press and Journal spoke to several business owners in the area today, who all said that since the roadworks began customers have been put off with many unwilling to navigate the streets and find somewhere to park.
Another challenge has been getting deliveries in and out of premises.
Michelle Johnston, who just this week took over ownership of Decidedly Dogs after working there for years, says “it’s been hell”.
She said: “It’s been an absolute nightmare. I have noticed the shop has definitely been quieter.
“People just don’t want to come into the town anymore because people are unsure or don’t know where to park.
“Hopefully, it does pick up after the roadworks are finished. It’s been a real nightmare for delivery drivers as they are forced to come down these little side streets.”
Ms Johnston added that people who want to have lunch at cafes on Holburn Street no longer want to make the journey due to the added hassle.
She also criticised the impending LEZ, which she says “will ruin the city centre” further.
Having just taken over the store she is planning to grow the business and hopes to establish an online presence to help boost sales.
Roadworks have been a ‘disaster’ for Holburn Street businesses
Philip Sainsbury, a director at furniture store Sainsbury & Sons, said it has been “exceptionally quiet” while the roadworks have been taking place.
He said there’s been a big drop in footfall and an even bigger decline in car traffic in the area.
Worse still, March is National Bed Month which Mr Sainsbury has spent money on marketing special promotions.
It was supposed to be a busy period for the shop.
He said: “That’s been a disaster because we’ve spending money to promote that, not knowing that the road was going to be closed.
“Just really poor communication from the council.”
Mr Sainsbury said more forward planning could have allowed some cars to park on Holburn Street.
Linne Clark, who works at outdoor shop Country Ways echoed frustrations about a lack of warning which has led to confusion for staff, customers and delivery drivers.
One staff member’s car was hit while parked on Irvine Place as the closures caused chaos for confused commuters.
Ms Clarke said: “People were stuck, there was this massive jam then her car got hit. It was just such a shambles.”
The staff at Country Ways often have to park 10 minutes away because it’s easier than parking closer to the store.
Despite being much quieter, Ms Clark said she was thankful that online orders have spiked in the past few weeks.
“It’s difficult already to get to any business on Holburn Street and it’s just been even harder,” she said.
“I’m really glad that we have our online presence because our footfall is hugely down because people just can’t get anywhere near it.”
‘A warning would have been welcome’
John Robertson, who has owned Love: Florist for 21 years, says he “has never seen it this bad”.
He said: “There should be thought put into the timings of the road closures because it has really affected business.
“Also, some warning would have been welcome as none of the businesses, including ourselves, were told about it.”
Mr Robertson, who is also a wedding photographer, is having to give up his two business cars because they will not meet the requirement for the new LEZ.
He usually photographs events at venues like the Registrar’s Office and the Union Kirk, both inside the LEZ, which could cost him.
He added: “The LEZ is going to be a real headache”.
Ongoing roadworks are due to end tomorrow, however more roadworks are planned until the middle of April, further up Holburn Street.
Aberdeen City Council have been contacted for comment.
‘Mayhem’: Motorists face chaos as two weeks of roadworks commence in Aberdeen city-centre
