Drone to inspect Union Street
Aberdeen City Council is to use a drone to inspect the condition of buildings on the city's main thoroughfare
Aberdeen City Council is to use a drone to inspect the condition of buildings on Union Street as part of a major regeneration programme for the city centre.
The Council is to ask a contractor to carry out survey work to determine repairs needed to bring buildings up to an acceptable standard.
It's part of the City Centre Masterplan and will be jointly led by Aberdeen Inspired, the Business Improvement District operator.
A ÂŁ2 million package of city centre improvements has been agreed which include the first phase of regeneration work on Union Street and the drawing up of designs to enhance Union Terrace Gardens, Golden Square and public realm space on Schoolhill.
The Union Street work will include deep cleaning, the repositioning and upgrading of street furniture, and the establishment of a team to keep the area in top condition.
Councillors also agreed to carry out survey work and the search is now on for a specialist firm to pilot a drone equipped with cameras.
City council leader councillor Jenny Laing said: “During a public consultation on the City Centre Masterplan it was made clear that people wanted to see Union Street restored to its former glory.
“As well as delivering improvements, the council wants to enhance the appearance of Union Street’s buildings and to ensure owners receive the necessary advice and support.
“A drone will give us a bird’s eye view of what needs addressing and offers a cost-effective way to carry out a comprehensive survey.”
The drone will capture close-up images of guttering, windows, roofing, and stonework.
The Council is working with Aberdeen Inspired to encourage owners and occupiers to maintain buildings and frontages to the highest standard.
The local authority is employing a dedicated building standards officer and will take enforcement action where necessary.
City Council deputy leader Councillor Marie Boulton, who chairs the cross-party City Centre Regeneration Board, said: “The majority of owners and occupiers take pride in their property and I’m sure they’ll be keen to work with us to enhance the quality and look of buildings.”