Union Street: Major works begin as shop owners stress "we are open for business"

Major streetscaping work on Union Street started today in what is being called "the biggest change to the street since it was built more than 200 years ago".

The construction works, being carried out by Morrison Construction, is part of the City Centre and Beach Masterplan.

A one-way traffic system has been implemented between Bridge Street and Market Street, with buses and cyclists prohibited from this stretch - the local authority previously said this was due to safety reasons.

The night-time taxi rank outside The Royal Bank of Scotland will temporarily be out of use, with the rank on Back Wynd becoming operational day and night to compensate for the loss of the busy pick-up point.

City leaders hailed the start of the works as a "major milestone" in revitalising the high street.

Aberdeen City Council Co-Leader Councillor Ian Yuill said: “The work to Union Street central will complement the new market building and contribute to making our city centre an even more attractive place to visit."

What do businesses think?

Business owners are feeling cautiously optimistic about the changes, as the completion date is set for autumn 2025.

Andy McLaughlin, director of popular clothing store Attic, set up shop on Union Street just over a year ago after relocating from the Academy shopping centre.

With business going well in his new site, he is nervous about how the works could impact footfall.

Andy said: "We're nervous about what's going to happen. Obviously, Union Street could look like a building site for potentially a couple of years so we're really hoping that doesn't put off shoppers.

"I know the long-term plan is to get folk into the city centre when it looks nice but the big worry is getting through this short-term with the closures looking like a building site. It's definitely a worry."

A couple of units down is Bob Smith, who owns Aberdeen Vinyl Records and Aberdeen Gift and Tourist Shop.

He wanted to make it clear Union Street is open for business: "I think we can address the issue of footfall by always making sure the message is that we are open for business.

"Regardless of what work is going on, the pavements are open you can come and go as normal."

Mr Smith continued to highlight the work is desperately needed to become a tourism hub: "I think the pain will be worth it because as I said before, remaining the same wasn't an option.

"We are a portal for tourists, because they come here - one of the few places they've got to come to buy all their souvenir stuff - and we get all the impressions they have filtered back to us.

"The way it was before the redevelopment, it wasn't an option to remain like that."

Can I access Union Street during this time?

Cars are prohibited on this stretch of Union Street anyway, however cyclists will be diverted for safety reasons.

Buses will also be re-routed through bus priority routes including Market Street, Guild Street, and Bridge Street, or along Union Terrace and School Hill.

Delivery vehicles, bin collections and emergency vehicles will continue to have access while the one-way system - which will navigate east-bound - is in place.

Access will continue to all shops and businesses for pedestrians.

Taxis will operate from Back Wynd and be able to turn east towards Castlegate.

When will the Granite Mile makeover be complete?

Constructors are carrying out the works on the Union Street central area in 100-metre sections and aim to complete the Union Street streetscape by autumn 2025.

The history of Aberdeen could present an extra layer of complications as the city was built upon bridges - so constructors won't know what to expect until works begin.

Utility companies will be carrying out works at the same time replacing and upgrading existing utilities when the road is opened up.

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