A Rosemount business has warned that two-week long roadworks could be “financially devastating”.
Aberdeen City Council started resurfacing work along a busy stretch of Rosemount Place on Sunday, with the project scheduled to continue until November 10.
Crews are actively laying down a new road surface, and a closure is currently in place between South Mount Street and Eden Place.
While side roads remain accessible, the closure has created significant challenges for businesses along Rosemount Place – with a noticeable decline in foot traffic.
Rosemount businesses caught off guard by roadworks
Leeanne Coutts, who owns The Richmond St Deli, told The Press and Journal she has seen a large drop in footfall.
She said she was caught off guard by the roadworks, learning about them only through a local business WhatsApp group just the night before they began.
To keep her customers informed, she turned to social media to share alternative routes.
She said: “When we opened yesterday, it was dead when there is usually steady business.
“We do expect it to be busier than it is at this time due to the holidays ending, but there’s definitely been a drop in footfall these past few days.
“If this goes on for the next fortnight, it could be financially devastating.”
Rosemount businesses feel impact of road closures
Ms Coutts said that most of her clientele are drivers who typically park briefly outside to grab a meal on the go.
Despite her concerns, she has been “heartened” by the customers who have continued to support her business.
She even contemplated closing her deli entirely at one point.
It is understood that signage along the road was put up before the roadworks began, but that businesses were not directly informed of the it beforehand.
Her employee, Kerry Oleszek, said she had never seen the area so quiet and it reminded her of “a ghost town”.
Ms Coutts added: “It felt like we were back in lockdown”.
Another business affected by the road closure is the Archway Charity Shop, which was similarly unaware of the roadworks until they began.
Jan Bremner, the shop’s co-manager, said: “I was not made aware of the roadworks beforehand, or the closing down of streets and doing away with one-way systems.
“We have seen issues with people wanting to drop off donations. Usually they can park outside, but they are now having to park on side streets where they are at risk of a ticket.
“It’s become very inconvenient for people who want to donate.”
The shop also has a regular delivery man who takes away unsellable items. He has not been able to visit due to the road closure.
Ms Bremner added: “It is usually a busier time for us given it is just after the holidays and families are having clear-outs. They might go elsewhere if they can’t reach us.”
Rosemount pharmacy experience drop in foot-fall
At Rosemount Pharmacy, pharmacist Helen Goldie has reported a noticeable decline in customers, particularly among older people who usually rely on taxis to reach the pharmacy
She added: “There has definitely been a drop in customers since the roadworks began.
“We would usually get a lot of footfall after school and work, but so far it’s been empty. Those who do come in are asking when the roadworks are going to end.”
Ms Goldie mentioned that the pharmacy may see an increase in deliveries as older customers opt to stay home to avoid the hassle of navigating the road closures.
But their delivery driver is also facing challenges due to the roadworks, resulting in longer delivery times.
Despite the hardships, some businesses said they appreciate that improvements are being made to the road’s surface. According to signage, the resurfacing project is expected to be completed by November 10.
Aberdeen City Council has been contacted for comment.
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