FOR many years people have been forced out of their city centres through a combination of factors. Out of town shopping and leisure complexes, planning policy, traffic and parking restrictions, the estates strategies of major employers and changing retail habits to name just a few.
It’s a global phenomenon. Yet, tune into conversations you might hear on any day in homes, offices and coffee shops and you’d be excused for thinking it was something that is unique to your own town or city.
In Aberdeen, the health of Union Street seems to be some strange barometer for the psyche of the people of the region. Yes our main street does face challenges but no more so than any other. In fact the latest retail occupancy statistics tell us that Aberdeen comes in at 90.8%, exactly in line with the national average.
However successful 21st century cities have started the process of reversing the migration trend, basing their strategies on making their centres places where people want to live, to work and to spend their leisure time.
It’s a virtuous circle. If there is more footfall, more businesses spring up to serve them, so more people come - and there are numerous successful case studies for us to take influences from as we aim to do likewise.
To start the cycle we need places that people want to go. Offices, shops, restaurants and cafes, apartments, parks, squares, places that can host events, exhibitions and provide great entertainment experiences.
We have already made great strides towards this. Heading from west to east we have the Capitol, voted best commercial workspace outside of Central London; our Music Hall soon to be re-opened and restored beyond its former glory; work starts this autumn on bringing Union Terrace Gardens back to the people; there’s some great new places to eat – and that’s just scratching the surface.
The City Centre Masterplan is a 25-year initiative encompassing 49 projects. Even the executive summary document runs to over 40 pages. There’s a lot in there but actually, it can be simplified easily into just a single word. People.
Building owners too have a key role to play, taking responsibility for the condition of their properties and engaging with the Union Street Conservation Area Regeneration Scheme which has £2.4m in grant funding available to undertake high quality repair, restoration and refurbishment of eligible buildings.
Russell Borthwick is the chief executive of Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce
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