Readers have had their say after a city retail expert suggested struggling Bon Accord Centre needs ‘new identity’ to thrive.
The shopping centre has seen a number of stores relocate to Union Square in recent years, including Jo Malone.
Andrew Turnbull, senior lecturer in retail and marketing at Robert Gordon University, believes the creation of a ‘lifestyle hub’ could be just one key to success for the future of the Bon Accord.
But what did our readers think?
Free parking and ‘shops people want’
We shared the news on social media and attracted dozens of responses.
For some, it’s not the name that need to change but the cost of parking and choice of shops on offer.
Fiona Cowe said: “New identity and shops that people want and need and not so expensive car park costs it’s not rocket science.”
Lynne Digby said: “Free parking, open up the recreational part upstairs.
“Just need to look at the Bridge of Don retail park with their M&S, Kittybrewster and Berryden, all free parking.
“Why bother going into town with possible fines for driving in the wrong lane, road closures and an overpriced pay to park? It really could be so much better.”
Stephen Lovie said: “Simple solution, easily setup, incentives offered to small and local niche businesses – think the Xmas Market Quad but much bigger scale.
“Something that the public could get behind, support and promote.”
Kenny Armstrong: “It will take more the a new name to revitalise Bon Accord.”
Support for Bon Accord Centre
Speaking about how the centre could be improved, Mr Turnbull said: “A centre relaunch, or a rebrand, allied to some of the changes made, could create the impression that Bon Accord Centre had regenerated and repositioned itself with a new identity.”
But some readers were quick to say the Bon Accord Centre name should remain.
Duncan Gerrie: “Personally I think the Bon Accord Centre name should stay.
“I think it has quite easy parking, but the issue is that general access to the city centre has changed so much that people really don’t want to go because of LEZ, bus gates etc and then the general cost of parking.
“John Lewis and Marks and Spencer were close by so with those gone that will have some effect on the footfall.
“Even the Thursday late night shopping, does that still happen?
“Getting some decent shops in place, reasonable rent and rates, fair parking charges, clear the darker elements.”
Juliet A’wse said: “There is a misconception Bon Accord is in the LEZ. It’s not. I much prefer this site than Union Square.
“Shopping malls killed our city centre, although handy when its horrible weather, then online shopping was the final nail in many city centres across the country.”
Sheila Gordon added: “I like the Bon Accord Centre. Quite a variety of shops. Also bright and airy unlike Union Square which has mostly expensive shops and isn’t easy for lots of people to get to.”
Conversation