The owner of award-winning chartered architects practice TINTO has called on the local authority’s new administration to work with experts to overcome technical issues with pedestrianising Union Street.
Richard Tinto has added his support to a campaign by city centre Business Improvement District (BID) Aberdeen Inspired to encourage residents to make their positive views on pedestrianisation known to councillors, saying it is the key to unlocking a brighter future for Aberdeen's city centre.
He called on the newly formed SNP and Liberal Democrat administration to be “innovative and creative” in its approach to regenerating the city centre.
“My thoughts on the new council in Aberdeen fall into three main areas. The first is that it is the responsibility of our new leadership not to undo the good work that has been set into motion in the city centre,” he said.
“The second is to remember that pedestrianising Union Street is only a technical challenge. The principle is strong - work with the professionals to get the right solution and create the legacy that Aberdeen deserves.
“And the third one, in creating the space, is to be innovative and creative in the way that you contribute to encouraging people and business back into the city centre. A collaborative approach is required by the new council, instead of a divisive one.”
The stretch of Union Street between Bridge Street and Market Street has been closed to traffic during the pandemic and it is hoped this will become permanent to allow a café culture to flourish and encourage businesses back into this section of the city’s main thoroughfare.
However, earlier this year councillors voted to reopen this part of Union Street to buses, taxis and bicycles.
The issue is expected to be debated at the full meeting of Aberdeen City Council this month.
Richard added: “It’s a big ask, based on past history, but it is one I believe that the new council can rise up to and I look forward to the future of Aberdeen.”
Aberdeen Inspired polled its levy payers – eligible businesses in the BID footprint who pay an annual levy - on the issue of pedestrianisation earlier this year.
Business leaders including Stuart McPhee of Siberia on Belmont Street and founder of Aberdeen Hospitality Together, and Adam Fairley of Specsavers on Union Street have added their support to the campaign.
Many levy payers agree that proper pedestrianisation of the 300m stretch of Union Street from Bridge Street to Market Street would pave the way for renewed investment, bring businesses back to that part of the city’s main street and encourage the café culture locals and visitors have enjoyed during the pandemic to grow and prosper.
As seen on artists’ impressions and computer-generated walk-through videos, supporters believe removing traffic and creating an attractive oasis will encourage people, retailers and other businesses back into the city, increasing footfall and dwell time and creating reasons to visit again and again.
Aberdeen Inspired was established to attract, sustain and boost investment in Aberdeen’s city centre for the benefit of its levy payers and all those who live, work, shop and visit there.
In addition to levy payments, which go to support city centre improvements and initiatives, the BID brings in additional funding which that for every £1 of levy collected, at least £2 is invested in the city centre.
The BID footprint covers Union Street and the surrounding streets, including Broad Street, Market Street, Bridge Street, Huntly Street and Holburn Junction.
For more information on Aberdeen Inspired, visit www.aberdeeninspired.com