The future of Union Street was hailed today as looking bright as regeneration work continued under the City Centre Masterplan.
A second specialist deep clean of the mile-long street is under way as part of Operation Union Street Rejuvenation, launched last September.
Phase 1 of the Operation has included the upgrading of street furniture and the creation of a dedicated team to keep the thoroughfare in top condition.
Union Street has recently been basking in the spotlight.
The refurbished Capitol building – a joint venture between Aberdeen-based Knight Property Group and M&G Real Estate – has been named best office development outside central London by the Office Agents Society and Commercial Workplace of the Year by British Council for Offices in their Regional Awards.
Aberdeen City Council leader Councillor Jenny Laing said: “We are delighted that the confidence shown by developers is bringing success. Under the City Centre Masterplan we are breathing new life into the heart of Aberdeen and helping to create the conditions for continuing prosperity.
“The hard work undertaken by Council staff and our partner Aberdeen Inspired signals our commitment to regeneration in the long term through the Masterplan, and this has been a factor in increasing confidence and pride in the city centre.
“There are plenty of reasons to be optimistic about the future of Union Street – not least the fact major businesses are making their home there.”
The Capitol, a former theatre, houses professional services giant PwC and law firm Maclay Murray & and Spens (MMS), with oil and gas company Chrysaor set to take occupation in October 2017.
Phil Kirk, Chief Executive Officer at Chrysaor, welcomed the award for the Capitol and said: “Over 100 people will be fitting out the office, and we greatly look forward to moving in later in the year.
“Our move to The Capitol is a positive step for Union Street and the wider Aberdeen area, and directly supports the direction of Aberdeen City Council’s City Centre Masterplan.
“The increased footfall on Union Street will bring increased opportunities to businesses within the West End and further strengthen regeneration within the area.”
PwC were unveiled as the building’s first tenant last April.
Kevin Reynard, Office Senior Partner for PwC in Aberdeen, said: “For businesses to perform at their best, the infrastructure needs to be there to support them.
“That is why The Capitol appealed to us and we are delighted to have invested in the building in recognition of it being a truly first class working environment. It’s especially encouraging to see the Council making its own commitment to Union Street and the wider area through the City Centre Masterplan.
“The move – and the opening of The Capitol – has helped create a new energy around the business community in Aberdeen, focusing in and around the west end of the city.”
Malcolm Gunnyeon, one of MMS' Aberdeen-based partners, said: "The Capitol offers a state of the art working environment for our staff, partners and clients, and creates a strong platform for our further growth in the North-east.
“Importantly, the development plays a key role in the wider ambition, held by all in the city, to help reinvigorate the city centre and make Aberdeen a city that continues to attract business and tourists alike for years to come.
"Our relocation to Union Street underlines the commitment to a substantial, full-time presence in the city that we have made since we first opened here in 2003.”
Knight Property Group was recognised by Scottish Property Awards for City Centre Regeneration Project of the Year which celebrated the positive impact that the redevelopment of The Capitol had on Aberdeen.
Howard Crawshaw, Director at Knight Property, said: “The aim of The Capitol redevelopment was to bring new life to an iconic but derelict building and to help kick start city centre regeneration on Union Street.
“When fully occupied, the building can hold up to 700 members of staff, which will bring an increased footfall to the area.”
Operation Union Street Rejuvenation is being co-led by Aberdeen Inspired, the operator of the Business Improvement District.
Adrian Watson, chief executive of Aberdeen Inspired, said: “Operation Union Street Rejuvenation is essential to revitalise the thoroughfare.
“The deep cleans of Union Street are making a tremendous difference and shows what can be achieved. This is a good start but we all understand it is crucial we deliver on the many other strategic aspects of the City Centre Masterplan.
"There is a real sense of optimism growing around the city centre and Aberdeen Inspired is committed to continue working with others to foster this further.
“We want to drive forward enhancements to Union Street, and the city centre, and it is great to see this becoming a reality through our partnership with Aberdeen City Council and many others.”
The next phase will include repairing and preserving key buildings on Union Street as part of a Conservation Area Regeneration Scheme, the Council having secured and matched an award of £1.2 million from Historic Environment Scotland.
The Masterplan vision involves bringing back into use more vacant and underused historic buildings on Union Street, with improved public realm and pedestrian priority between Bridge Street and the Castlegate in the longer term.
For more information contact David Ewen, City Centre Masterplan Communications and Engagement Officer, on 01224 522282 or 07833 402131, or email: DaEwen@aberdeencity.gov.uk.