A leading preservation specialist has called on
Aberdeen businesses to take steps to revitalise Union Street.
Allan Durham, managing director of Presserv, wants to see the famous shopping street receive a makeover to ensure it has a bright future.
He spoke out following the approval of plans for a multi-million pound expansion of the Union Square shopping centre.
Some business leaders and local politicians suggested the decision could significantly alter the city centre. Concerns have been raised that footfall re-directed to Union Square will result in shops on Union Street being forced to close their doors.
Michael Hastie, who served as deputy leader of the council, went as far as to warn that the city centre street could become a “wasteland”.
Mr Durham believes that Union Street could become a more attractive proposition for shoppers if there was investment in restoring the granite buildings.
He said: “If we want to attract new businesses into Union Street and bring the shoppers back, then we have to make it an attractive place to be.
“Granite in the sunlight sparkles, but years of pollution can dull its sheen.
“Traditional blasting methods utilise water, grit or acidic materials to clean off contaminants and ingrained dirt, but there are products available on the market that will not cause any damage to the architecture that Union Street is famed for.
“Nor will it cause any harm to the public or the environment.”
Around £2.5million of funding has been earmarked for the rejuvenation of Union Street in the next five years.
The Union Street Conservation Area Regeneration Scheme, which forms part of Aberdeen City Council’s 25-year City Centre Masterplan, has the backing of
Aberdeen City Heritage Trust and Aberdeen Inspired.
The project aims to provide funding to repair and enhance the physical fabric of properties in the conservation area, ensuring that Union Street’s architectural and historic significance is protected.
Mr Durham is calling on non-council owned building owners to apply for the grant scheme and help make Union Street a more attractive shopping experience.
Councillor Marie Boulton said: “Aberdeen City Council is delighted to have received support from Historic Environment Scotland and Aberdeen Inspired in looking to improve the fabric of our historic buildings.
“The scheme could stimulate significant long-term investment in Union Street by encouraging occupancy of both vacant commercial units and vacant upper floors potentially for residential use.”
