Anger as 23% of units on Aberdeen's Union Street are empty

The Herald Scotland

5 days ago

An occupancy survey carried out by property consultants FG Burnett found that 43 units on the street are not in use, up from 40 in February.
The central span of Union Street has been closed to traffic since April 2024. (Image: Josh) The report states: 'As things stand as at 1st August, the void level equates to 23% of the total, up from 21% six months ago. Planned openings in the short term would see that come back down to the 21% level.'
At the north end of Union Street, Edin Hutt, McGinty's, Esslemonts, and The Cleavin Barber ceased operations, while JD Sports, MHA, and Union Kebab House closed in the south end of the street.
Meanwhile, Our Union Street, Black Sheep Coffee, Tartans/Scarves retailer, Glenhouse Restaurant and Luna Chinese Bistro and Scott Mobile and Vapes have occupied units over the last six months.
Richard Noble, Director at FG Burnett, commented: 'Our survey includes the best part of 190 premises and we expect to see changes over a six month period. Not a lot has changed in terms of the general trend with voids remaining stubbornly high at around 1 in 5.
'The very successful City Council Union Street Empty Shops Grant Scheme remains open and will continue to attract applications subject to availability of funds. The significant works going on within the traditional prime stretch between Bridge Street and Market Street have not helped footfall levels in the City Centre generally.
"The works started in April 2024 and our 3 surveys since that time show voids in that specific stretch rising to stand at 23% of the total of 43 units.
'The trend in this particular location has generally been negative in the last 18 months or so with RBS, JD Sports and Bravissimo ceasing trading. A shining light has been the opening of the Jamieson & Carry flagship following major redevelopment and investment.'
The thoroughfare was hit with another closure on Wednesday, when clothing store Attic, which has operated in the city centre since 2001, announced it was shutting its doors.
In a statement on social media, the shop's owners said: "After 24 years of serving our community, we are heart broken to be saying goodbye. This decision was not made lightly, but as we turn the page to a new chapter, we want to take a moment to thank each and every one of you who walked through our doors, supported our small business, and helped make this journey so special.
"Your loyalty, kindness, and friendship have meant the world to us. Whether you came in for the perfect outfit, a thoughtful gift, or just a friendly chat, you became part of our story—and for that, we are truly grateful.
Tory MSP Liam Kerr has slammed news of the closure. (Image: Supplied) Conservative MSP Liam Kerr hit out at Aberdeen City Council over the closure, noting: 'The closure of Attic after almost 25 years marks a sad day for Aberdeen and underlines the dire predicament businesses have been left in by the continual disruption to Union Street.
'Businesses like Attic which have remained loyal to Union Street throughout the delayed works have been left with no choice but to now close their doors because of Aberdeen City Council's negligence.
'This has been compounded by the council's decision to implement permanent bus gates and LEZs in the city that are starving shops of footfall.'
Controversial bus gates were implemented in the city centre in August 2023, banning car traffic from several key streets.
Business owners angry at the lack of consultation surrounding the decision have taken the local authority to court, lodging a judicial review at the Court of Session.
Norman Esslemont, who is leading the group, previously said: "I have been a local businessman for 60 years and have never witnessed a council so out of touch with the public (their voters). Bus gates are destroying the city centre and need to be scrapped."
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However, the local authority has defended the bus gates as "essential".
Council co-leader Christian Allard said in January: 'These bus priority measures are essential to ensuring public transport moves around our city centre as efficiently as possible.
'I would highlight that motorists are accessing our city centre car parks, planning their journey, and becoming familiar with the bus priority routes.
'Looking at the bigger picture, and the long term goal, we will have a much improved city centre that is a destination and not a through route.
'We are driving forward bold plans, and I would suggest we are judged come 2027 on what we have delivered.'