'Remarkable' response to Our Union Street campaign with more than 4,000 ideas submitted
The project launched less than three weeks ago
Last updated 29th Jan 2024
Just weeks after launching a fresh project to save Aberdeen's Granite Mile, the Our Union Street campaign has received more than 4,200 responses on its new website.
The site - which can be found here - has seen well over 1,000 people answer at least one of the four questions, with the majority answering each one.
And the answers have now been made available for the public to read.
A 'remarkable' response
In a letter to those that have signed up to the campaign, project lead Bob Keillor said: "Three weeks ago, when we launched, we asked for your ideas to help breathe fresh life into Union Street – and you have certainly delivered.
"As I draft this update, the total number of ideas submitted to us sits at over 4,200, which is a quite remarkable tally given the website has been live for just 21 days.
"For this, I want to place on record my heartfelt thanks to everyone who has shown an interest."
Increasing the number of businesses
One thing that has repeatedly been mentioned on the website is increasing the number of businesses, both local and large, on the Granite Mile.
Around a quarter of units currently lie empty, similar to the national average.
But there's hope that this number will reduce.
"It has been pleasing to see some progress on finding occupiers for some of the vacant shops on Union Street", added Keillor.
"First, congratulations to Lynne McIntyre, who is looking to bring a bit of department store magic back with the opening of Dizzy’s on Central Union Street. With Attic occupying the shop next door, it’s starting to look much better down that end.
"Across the road, German Doner Kebab recently submitted plans for the old Molton Brown shop, and Arcadia Bar & Games has successfully opened above in what many of us will remember as Espionage.
"And last week we learned that Indian street food chain Chaiiwala has lodged plans to transform the old Mostyn McKenzie at 229 Union Street."