Union Street latest: Councillors vote to keep buses on the Granite Mile
138 business leaders have asked to council to pedestrianise central Union Street
Last updated 29th Jun 2022
Central Union Street is to remain accessible to buses after Aberdeen City Council voted against plans to pedestrianise the area.
A proposal to re-develop the area has instead been decided, which will involve widening pavements, whilst buses, service vehicles and bikes will have two lanes.
Four options were proposed to counsillors, these ranged from full pedestrianisation to returning to the pre-pandemic layout, which allowed all vehicle types on the full granite mile.
The Co-Leader of Aberdeen City Council, Ian Yuill, said that a lack of accessibility to the street prevents the central area from being fully pedestrianised.
“We are keen to ensure that central Union Street is as accessible as possible.
"Sadly, over the last two years getting from Guild Street up to Union Street has been a real challenge for some people, including people with disabilities, some elderly people and people with limited mobility."
Nearly 140 business leaders from across the region signed a letter to the council asking for the Broad Street to Market Street area to be pedestrianised prior to the meeting.
But despite voting against it, Co-Leader Alex Nicoll says the option isn't off the cards.
"The choice made today does not stop the council introducing full pedestrianisation in the future.
“To do so, the council has agreed it must be satisfied both that suitable 24-hour access arrangements to central Union Street are in place for people with disabilities and limited mobility and that suitable alternative bus and public transport arrangements are available which ensure easy bus passenger access to central Union Street."