Discover the ambitious plans for Union Street's revitalization in Aberdeen.
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Aberdeen’s Union Street transformation: A glimpse into the future
A futuristic video presentation has provided residents of Aberdeen with an exciting preview of the anticipated transformation of Union Street, set to be completed by the end of this year.
The project, spearheaded by Morrison Construction, aims to revitalize the central stretch of the Granite Mile, enhancing both aesthetics and functionality for pedestrians and cyclists alike.
Project overview and progress
The ambitious £20 million scheme was showcased at the Douglas Hotel, where numerous information boards detailed the various stages of the project.
The highlight was a captivating video that took attendees on a virtual journey through the redesigned high street, illustrating wider pavements, newly added cycle lanes, and modern street furniture. A key feature of the project is the creation of a plaza outside the new Aberdeen market, known as Flint, which is currently under construction and will feature a striking golden entrance at the site of the former BHS department store.
Challenges faced during construction
Work on this section of the Granite Mile commenced last June, with the initial phase from Market Street to the St Nicholas kirkyard originally scheduled for completion by March. However, engineers encountered unexpected complications when they began excavating, discovering large pipes and a tangled mass of decades-old cables beneath the surface. Kirstie Golightly, the stakeholder and communications manager for Morrison, explained that the situation turned out to be more complex than anticipated, leading to a slight delay in the project timeline.
Future steps and community impact
The revamp is being executed in three 100-meter strips, with the entire project expected to wrap up by the end of the year. Despite the initial setbacks, Golightly assured the public that the team is now back on track with the subsequent phases. Starting Monday, work will begin on the pavements from the corner of Market Street to the entrance of the Attic clothing shop, a process expected to take six weeks. Efforts are being made to ensure that local businesses remain accessible during construction, with new crossings being installed to facilitate customer access directly to shop doorsteps.
Golightly emphasized the importance of collaboration with local businesses throughout the project, stating, “Our main priority is to keep any impact on residents and businesses to a minimum.” The construction team is committed to working overnight when stores are closed to minimize disruption, ensuring that the revitalization of Union Street will create a vibrant and lasting high street for generations to come.
Residents and interested parties can stay updated on the progress of the project through dedicated channels, ensuring the community remains informed as this transformative initiative unfolds.
