Signing off: city’s street gets makeover to boost business

Trade: Scheme launched rid prime shopping strip of wooden eyesores

A scheme to remove estate agents’ advertising display boards from Union Street hasbeenwelcomedby local businesses, shoppers and visitors.

The Aberdeen Inspired organisation struck a deal with property firms to rid the city’s main thoroughfare of the signs, known as V-boards.

The visual impact of the “to let” and “for sale” signs was identified as a key area of concern for citizens and traders.

The move followed a pilot scheme earlier this

“Already there is a big difference in the way the street is looking”

year when three vacant shops on St Andrew Street were revamped with window graphics replacing the traditional wooden signs.

Aberdeen Inspired is the banner under which the city’s Business Improvement District (Bid) now operates. Companies in the Bid pay a levy to fund projects to enhance the city centre.

Allan Henderson, a director at Aberdeen Inspired, said: “Work is now well underway to clear the V- boards from Union Street.

“A handful still remain, but plans are in place to have those removed shortly and already there is a big difference in the way the street is looking.

“The response we have had since the agreement was announced has been excellent.

“Businesses have been very supportive and equally shoppers and other visitors to the heart of the city have been very compli- mentary about the tive.

"When I speak to people about Union Street the one thing that shines through is the warmth there is among Aberdonians for this particular part of the city.

“They want to see it back to its best and people share our view that this is a very

initia- positive step in the right direction.”

MrHenderson described the plan as a “short-term” move, and stressed the long-term objective was to bring in new businesses to fill the empty shop units.

Alex Robb, managing director of AB Robb and one of the surveyors who have c o mmitt e d to remove V- boards, said: “When Aberdeen Inspired approached us, we jumped at the chance to support this change – a change that we believe can have a massive impact not only on t he street’s aesthetics, but in the likelihood of attract- ing new business to the city centre.”

Aberdeen Inspired has identified five key areas that will benefit from an annual investment of about £1million.

Other initiatives include the installation of Big Belly bins in conjunction with Aberdeen City Council.

MISSION: Aberdeen Inspired director Allan Henderson and Alex Robb of AB Robb, look to rid Union Street of all estate agent V-boards