A multimillion-pound deep clean of the north-east’s most iconic street is officially underway.
Part of the authority’s City Centre Masterplan, Aberdeen City Council bosses launched Operation Union Street Rejuvenation last September after it was awarded £1.17million by Historic Environment Scotland to make the Granite Mile sparkle once more.
The first phase of the ambitious regeneration plan, which includes sprucing up street fixtures like lampposts, benches and pavements, started last week and has already reinvigorated major parts of the north side of Union Street between Holburn Street and Belmont Street.
This current part of the project is estimated to take up to four weeks, and the second stage, which will involve the specialist cleaning, repairing and preservation of many of the area’s historic buildings, is expected to commence later this summer.
The scheme is being co-led by city centre business body Aberdeen Inspired, whose chief executive, Adrian Watson, said: “Operation Union Street Rejuvenation is essential to revitalise the thoroughfare.
“The deep cleans of Union Street are making a tremendous difference and shows what can be achieved.
“This is a good start, but we all understand it is crucial we deliver on the many other strategic aspects of the City Centre Masterplan.
“There is a real sense of optimism growing around the city centre, and Aberdeen Inspired is committed to continue working with others to foster this further.
“We want to drive forward enhancements to Union Street, and the city centre, and it is great to see this becoming a reality through our partnership with Aberdeen City Council and many others.”
However, Alex Nicoll, the finance spokesman for the opposition SNP group at Aberdeen City Council, said more needed to be done to safeguard the future of the Granite Mile.
He added: “A deep clean of Union Street was long overdue, and whilst this is therefore welcome news, it’s hardly a ground-breaking development.
“What folk really want to see is shops that are occupied and more opportunities for people to live in the city centre – it’s vital that the council addresses these bigger issues, and if we work together, I’m sure that can be achieved.”