Calls to compensate Aberdeen traders left out of pocket by South College Street roadworks

The move would help firms based around Palmerston Road, Palmerston Place and The Arches.

By Kirstie Topp

August 21 2023, 12:04 pm

The works along the extent of South College Street are all done and dusted, and the road is reopened. Image: Kenny Elrick/DC Thomson

Firms hit by the South College Street roadworks chaos could be given a helping hand to bounce back.

Torry and Ferryhill Conservative councillor Michael Kusznir is hoping the local authority will cut business rates for companies based around Palmerston Road, Palmerston Place and The Arches.

His call will go before a crunch meeting on Wednesday.

Bank Street closed off during ongoing roadworks. — Bank Street was closed off during the ongoing roadworks. Image: Kath Flannery/DC Thomson

Mr Kusznir argued that the cut was needed as small and medium-sized enterprises are the “backbone of the UK, Scottish and Aberdeen economy”.

Are South College Street businesses struggling due to the roadworks?

The move comes as businesses in the area hope to attract customers back following months of traffic upheaval.

Granite City Fish is one of the firms looking to do just that.

Ed Fletcher of Granite City Fish, a business that has suffered due to the South College Street roadworks. — Ed Fletcher of Granite City Fish, a business that was negatively impacted by the South College Street roadworks. Image: Darrell Benns

Owner Ed Fletcher claimed the roadworks “destroyed” his business, costing him around £6,000 in lost revenue.

He also said customer numbers at the Poynernook Road shop had plummeted by 80% during the project.

Why was the South College Street project needed?

Plans for the multi-million-pound junction improvement project were initially drawn up in 2004.

Aberdeen City Council said the proposal would help to direct traffic away from the city centre and improve bus journey times.

The grand plans included new cycle routes, improved parking areas and road widening works.

Construction work on the South College Street improvement project. Image: Kath Flannery/DC Thomson

Do you think affected companies deserve a boost? Let us know in our comments section below

Construction finally got under way in July last year.

The busy commuter road partially reopened in June, however the £10.7 million project isn’t quite finished yet.

Work on the final stretch between Palmerston Place and North Esplanade West is expected to be complete in the autumn.

If the funding bid is successful, officers will be asked to prepare a report outlining the options available to encourage businesses to remain in the area.