Could too many fast food joints be clogging Aberdeen’s main artery?
Earlier this week, we revealed that plans for another Union Street take-away had been approved despite Jamieson and Carry’s objections.
The jeweller, which has been based in the same city centre spot for almost 100 years, said the development would “lower standards”.
It comes at a time when the Aberdeen institution is ploughing £1 million into sprucing up two neighbouring units in a bid to “enhance its surroundings”.
They warned that a take-away next door could leave such a bad taste in the mouths of luxury Swiss watchmakers Tag Heuer that they’d stop their expensive timepieces being sold there.
Many readers agreed, complaining about a supposed overabundance of take-aways making the city centre look downtrodden.
But others stressed the need for Union Street’s many empty units to be filled – while accusing Jamieson and Carry of “snobbery”.
So does Union Street have too many fast food offerings?
On Facebook, Tracey Melvin seemed to think so.
She said: “Something we don’t need on Union Street is a take-away, let’s get some shops back.
“Make it back into a city centre, it’s a dump the way it is at the moment.”
Jan Bremner said: “Seriously, another fast food outlet, I share the jewellers’ pain!!”
Amy-Louise McLean added: “We don’t need another take-away, we need clothing shops, especially for the men and younger boys.”
Is it ‘irresponsible’ to allow too many take-aways in city centre?
And leading Aberdeen businessman Richard Tinto, who was part of talks on saving Union Street last year, says the jewellers had a point.
Speaking to the P&J, the founder of Tinto Architecture said special consideration should be given to the type of businesses allowed to open on the central stretch of Union Street.
It can be the initial glimpse many visitors get of the city centre, and he thinks first impressions matter.
Mr Tinto added: “There’s a danger with introducing too many of the same type of business… We need to fill units responsibly, and think of the long-term benefits to our city.
“These types of business can put people off investing in an area.
“I feel it’s an irresponsible approach to allow too many to be in that section, and the council need to be brave in saying ‘no’ even if it means a unit remains empty.”
What did those in favour of the Union Street fast food plans say?
Some readers used the comments section at the foot of our article to make their thoughts known.
One subscriber accused Jamieson and Carry of “snobbery at its finest”.
Others on social media agreed.
Fiona Young said: “What Union Street certainly doesn’t need is more empty units, so perhaps be grateful for that.
“If those fortunate enough to be in a position to sell or buy a Tag Heuer watch begrudge the rest of the population an affordable takeaway, then perhaps they need to take a good hard look at themselves.”
Ian Main added: “At least something is opening, not closing.”
What does business guru masterminding Union Street campaign say?
Bob Keiller is leading the Our Union Street crusade to breathe new life into the stagnating Granite Mile.
The legendary entrepreneur suggested that “at some point in the future” the idea of segmenting Union Street into different “zones” catering to different sectors could be considered…
“But,” he added, “we are some way away from that.”
“I do sympathise with Jamieson and Carry considering the investment they are making.
“There’s no easy answer. But I would rather see an empty space put to use.”
Some could see both sides of the argument, with Shantelle Mungo joking about taking advantage of the proximity.
On Facebook, she said: “Ah but what they aren’t thinking of is people like me.
“I love to buy high end jewellery and then treat myself to a Big Mac.”
Conversation