Action needed on demise of city centre, councillor says

The depute provost of Aberdeen has called on councillors to “work together” to support businesses in the city amid fears over the future of the high street.

The city centre has been dealt a series of blows since the Covid-19 pandemic began, with a number of high-profile closures such as John Lewis, Debenhams and the Disney store.

Concerns have been raised over the impact this has on other businesses in the area and government officials have been urged to provide support to prevent further closures.

Jennifer Stewart, the city’s depute provost, admitted she was “very concerned” about the trend of businesses closing down and said she was “really worried” about the future.

However, she called on councillors to “work together” to support the high street ahead of some being able to reopen on April 26.

She said: “Lots of people are speaking to me in both capacities (councillor and depute provost) to say they are concerned about what’s happening to our city as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic and all the businesses that are closing.

“I really feel their pain. I hear what young people (and) older people are saying and I wanted to try and impart that.

“I want to do everything we can to help all businesses. This is our city and I really am worried about the future of Aberdeen. It’s given me a home for 36 years – I am not an Aberdonian but it has given me a home and my family has been brought up here. For me, it is very important everybody works together to assist all businesses and not set one against another. I am genuinely worried, as everyone else is, and I wanted to say that as a council we can offer that confidence to business that we will certainly do what we can to support everyone to get the high street up and running again.”

Revitalising the high street has been a key issue for north-east candidates in the run-up to next month’s Scottish Parliament election. Scottish Labour have pledged to introduce an economic stimulus plan, which would see every adult over the age of 16 given a £75 pre-paid credit card to spend in stores.

The scheme would be launched alongside a “shop local” campaign.

The party’s Aberdeen Central candidate Barry Black said this could be the “shot in the arm” needed to recover the city centre.

“Even before the pandemic, we know the

struggles our city centre faced, and this last year has made the challenges even greater,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Liberal Democrats are proposing changes to the business rates system and lower taxes to aid businesses to boost the high street. The

party wants charges to focus on the value of land and make it payable by the owner, rather than the business based there.

They believe the plans will help businesses compete with online retailers.

Rosemary Bruce, who is standing for the party in Aberdeenshire West, said this will “ensure online retailers and big developers pay their fair share while helping the small businesses that are at the heart of our community here thrive”.

She continued: “I want to help build and preserve a successful high street that provides jobs and a sense of community.”

Councillor Jennifer Stewart. Picture by Kenny Elrick.