The dire impact of years’ worth of decline is evident for all to see along Aberdeen’s Union Street.
Astronomical business rates, an oil and gas downturn and the impact of coronavirus have all taken their toll.
Lack of major investment and failure to move with the times too have left the street struggling.
But now the pattern of decline must come to an end.
Today The Press and Journal will take part in an emergency summit aimed at turning the tide on the Granite Mile’s fortunes.
It is hoped that through collaborative working from local residents, businesses, politicians and students a new era can be born for the city’s most famous street.
The masterplan is hoped to breathe new life into Union Street, but action is needed now
The city centre masterplan is, of course, hoped to breathe new life into Aberdeen. But the results are a long way off.
We do not have the luxury of waiting for these to come to fruition before we take action. The cost of living crisis and rising energy costs are already massive strains on businesses, with many being forced to close their doors.
A quick stroll down the street shows dozens of empty units, and unkempt buildings suffering at the hands of absentee landlords who have little to no connection to Aberdeen.
An increase in antisocial behaviour deters people looking to spend time in our city centre. And its dilapidated condition is currently stopping any meaningful investment.
Political infighting must not stop us from seeing real positive change in the city
The opening of Union Terrace Gardens is now in sight. But it has taken more than a decade for the redevelopment to go from concept to completion.
Political infighting has not helped this, but now is the time to put differences aside and band together for the good of our city, its residents and our economic recovery.
We need to listen to businesses and residents based on Union Street and take action now for the sake of our whole city’s future.
Pedestrianisation was once touted as the answer to many of its problems. But with that now kicked into the long grass, we need to look for alternative solutions.
These need to be focused on the short to medium term in order to raise the area from its knees as soon as possible.
If not, we risk our city centre facing further decline. We can not be sitting here in 10 years’ time waiting for plans to come to a reality.
There are many positive things about the city. Aberdeen’s recently renovated Art Gallery, the new South Harbour development and P&J Live to name but a few.
But Union Street’s down-at-heel appearance isn’t helping attract visitors back.
The loss of Debenhams, John Lewis and the potential threat to Marks and Spencer shows our city centre will never return to the retail hub of the north as it once was.
We must move with the times so more people are attracted to live and work in the city centre
It is now time to diversify.
Trends in shopping are changing and we must move with the times. Focus now needs to be on encouraging more people to live and work there.
While today is about acknowledging the issues our city centre faces, it’s also important we see it as the date to move forward.
The future of Union Street is something that affects all Aberdeen residents.
It is something that should unite us, for its success will benefit us all.
We need to think differently and come up with creative solutions that quickly improve the look and feel of our main high street before it’s too late.
With a targeted collective and collaborative approach we can help the silver city shine once more.
Conversation