Aberdeen should learn from vibrant Liverpool

Sir, – I was saddened to learn that full pedestrianisation of Union Street was recently rejected. This appears another significant blow to the attempted modernisation of Aberdeen City Centre.

Along with Sir Ian Wood’s vision for UTG, these projects would have indicated an ambitious council, delivering a long-term legacy for its constituents. Instead, alternative capital projects are often underwhelming and delivered greatly exceeding budget and deadline.

For context, I am a

30- year-old male from Aberdeen, currently studying in Liverpool. This is a vibrant city that should be looked towards for inspiration in how to manage the restoration of an underwhelming city centre. Take its large shopping area, it was previously a thoroughfare for traffic before it began full pedestrianisation in 1974.

Adjacent is the very popular Liverpool One

outdoor shopping area, which leads to the fantastic Albert Dock, formerly part of a series of docks housing cargo imports, now the destination for a range of culture and hospitality venues for all the family.

I have little doubt that these projects would have also courted controversy among residents. However, elected council officials are employed to make these

difficult decisions for the long-term prosperity of its constituents.

The previous administration appear to have left with good intentions, procuring the former BHS store, with the plan of converting it into a modern marketplace.

It is this perceived level of ambition that is required, to attract people back into the city centre and propel the

city of Aberdeen forward, while in the process diversifying its economy from one that is exclusively reliant on oil and gas (yawn).

Without making difficult decisions, I fear future generations will continue to be disadvantaged by the failed choices of our elected council members. Michael Simpson, Aberdeen.

REJECTED: The pedestrianisation of Union Street has been refused by the city council.