April 17 2024

Aberdeen City Council is to prepare the ground for a major overhaul of Union Street later this month.

The authority has enlisted Morrison Construction to embark on a programme of street upgrades including wider pavements as well as a glazed entrance concurrent with the Aberdeen Market development.

New pavements will be set in locally sourced whinstone and granite, reclaiming part of the road for a cycle lane and public space.

Council co-leader councillor Christian Allard commented: “The upgrading work to Union Street Central is an opportunity to create attractive new streetscaping which will complement the new market building.

“The works are being carried out using local or Scottish materials which will help the economy as well as help to reinstate the central role of Union Street by making it more attractive.”

Roadworks will take place through to Autumn 2025 with mitigation measures put in place until then to minimise travel disruption.  

4 Comments

#1 Posted by Aberdeen Angus on 17 Apr 2024 at 15:35 PM

Nothing makes me want to visit vape and phone case shops like some pretty pavements. ACC seem to be on the ball

#2 Posted by devilish advocaat on 17 Apr 2024 at 18:04 PM

#1 - could upgrades to the public realm perhaps be part of a strategy to try and attract anyone but vape and phone case shops to the area?

#3 Posted by Mark on 17 Apr 2024 at 22:52 PM

To be fair, using local whinstone and granite is a big step forward: a few years ago, ACC planners insisted that "granite" was used on some listed building projects – but were happy to accept imported Chinese granite! That was utterly tone-deaf and unsustainable, when local quarries and stone processors are crying out for contracts and investment.

#4 Posted by Mike on 18 Apr 2024 at 16:07 PM

#2, It most certainly is. Coupled with various other on-going initiatives by community led organizations such as Our Union St etc. that are seeking to actively improve the area.

Public realm improvements won't solve all the issues but more room for cyclists and pedestrians can only be a good thing.

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