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Ten new businesses have been helped to open on Aberdeen’s Union Street in the first year of an empty shops grant scheme, the city council has said.<\/p>\n
Six traders have arrived since the \u00a3195,000 thousand pound fund opened, with a further four in the process of moving to the so-called Granite Mile.<\/p>\n
The grant scheme covers up to 50% percent of project costs.<\/p>\n
Union Street runs through the heart of Aberdeen and was once its main retail hub, but – like many city centres – has seen a rise in vacant premises.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
The council said there are now 38 vacant units on Union Street, down from 47 a year ago.<\/p>\n
Lauren Reid runs the ladies fashion boutique Lolo and Co, which moved into to Union Street back in March. She said the grant scheme had definitely helped.<\/p>\n
“It’s been difficult don’t get me wrong, it’s not an overnight fix, nothing is,” she told BBC Scotland News.<\/p>\n
“It’s even nice to see people walking about, people want to support local.<\/p>\n
“It’s just nice to bring other units on to Union Street and see a lot more business flowing in Aberdeen, because it’s needed.”<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
Other new businesses on Union Street include a gaming store, a watch retailer and a coffee shop.<\/p>\n
The council’s finance and resources committee convener, Alex McLellan, said: \u201cIt is fantastic the Union Street Empty Shops Grant Scheme has helped to create these new stores”.<\/p>\n
Union Street had already faced stiff competition from the nearby Union Square complex, which opened in 2009 and is home to big-name shops, restaurants and a cinema.<\/p>\n
The coronavirus pandemic then added to the challenges.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n