Aberdeen is undertaking an ambitious turnaround plan to address its struggling city centre, which has been impacted by empty shops. The port city is taking a hands-on approach to fill vacant units and utilise long-neglected upper floors of buildings.
The council is investing tens of millions into making the city centre a destination again, including a new indoor food and drink market and a major seafront redevelopment. This aligns with a broader shift towards an "experience economy."
On Union Street, Aberdeen's main thoroughfare, 57 of 198 units were empty in 2023. As of today, 33 have been filled, with a further 14 in the process of being let. However, 20 new units have become vacant since the initiative began.
The Our Union Street coalition, a community-led group, has been central to this effort. They have audited the street, tracked down landlords, and offered to clean and paint empty properties to make them more attractive. A website lists available properties and financial incentives, such as council fit-out grants and a two-year discount on business rates.