The new
organisation aiming to rejuvenate Aberdeen’s Union Street is looking to recruit
an army of volunteers to help improve the city centre.
More than
10,000 ideas have been put forward by the public following the launch of Our
Union Street in March.
Between 15 and
20 themes have emerged, which will be published and shared with the public
ahead of a meeting in the Music Hall next month.
That meeting
will offer people the opportunity to put themselves forward to lead or take
part in projects which emerge from each of the themes.
The volunteer
force will be named ‘The Street Union’ and so far more than 1,100 people have
registered an interest in taking part.
Bob Keiller,
who is leading the Our Union Street effort, said the group is ready to “roll up
its sleeves”, and has appealed to anyone who wants to play a part to join the
movement.
“The first
phase of our activity was very much about listening – and we will continue to
listen,” he said.
“However, it
is important that we now start to move forward and act upon what has been an
enormous public response.
“As we
progress, we want to build a community that is passionate about Union Street,
and to mobilise a volunteer force that will really make a difference.
“The
forthcoming meeting at the Music Hall on June 7 is open to anyone
who has volunteered via our website ourunionstreet.com and there
is still time to do so if you want to be involved.”
The
not-for-profit group will take a pro-active approach to filling the 47
empty shops on Union Street and will shortly be launching a nationwide hunt for
new businesses.
However, many of
the objectives and interventions taken on by the organisation will be drawn
from the ideas submitted by the public.
Mr Keiller
added: “We want people of all ages and backgrounds to be part of the next
chapter for this street, when we can hopefully bring some sparkle back to the
Granite Mile.
“Not all of
this will be about physical work. In many cases, research is going to be
required, as well as administrative work, so this is an open opportunity to
all.”
A number of
companies have also come forward to volunteer support, including Aberdeen
Journals, which has donated advertising inventory, and Concept Promotional
Merchandise, which has provided branded PPE.
Bob Christie,
Managing Director, Concept Promotional Merchandise, said: “I am delighted to
give my backing to The Street Union volunteer campaign with the provision of
specially branded clothing for those willing to step up to help shape the
future of our city.
“We have been
on the go for 25 years and I have witnessed the many changes during the ups and
downs of the oil and gas industry and the changing face of the city centre. I
believe it’s vitally important to support investment in your home city and to
embrace the potential of what Aberdeen has to offer.
“I’m looking
forward to working alongside the volunteer force as they focus on making
decisions and implementing the work needed to reinvent Aberdeen city centre to
ensure all Aberdonians today and in the future can be proud of our city.”
To register as
a volunteer and join the Music Hall meeting, visit ourunionstreet.com