Cheaper car parking will boost city centre footfall in the evening. Image - Aberdeen Inspired
A £1 evening parking deal for the city centre has been welcomed by Aberdeen Inspired as a boost for the night-time economy.
The new bargain fee will come into effect from the end of May and see parking after 5pm for just a quid at off-street car parks such as Gallowgate, Frederick Street and Marischal College, seven days a week.
The council recently announced the new rate in a bid to encourage footfall into the city centre.
Adrian Watson, chief executive of Aberdeen Inspired, said: “This welcome move sends the clear message that Aberdeen is very much open for business – something that we cannot say often enough or loudly enough.
Image - Aberdeen Inspired
“Having parking for £1 after 5pm will no doubt attract more people into the city centre in the evening to take advantage of our great restaurants, theatres and other city centre attractions.
“The night-time economy is vital for the well-being of Aberdeen and encouraging more people to come into the heart of the Granite City and discover how vibrant and attractive it can be in the evening can only give local businesses and attractions a major boost.”
Adrian also welcomed the council’s recent decision to inject an additional £500,000 for an action plan to fill empty units on Union Street, created thanks to a major partnership between Aberdeen Inspired, Aberdeen City Council, Our Union Street and Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce.
The scheme has fit-out grants and up to two years rent and rate-free deals on offer for suitable businesses.
Image - Aberdeen Inspired
Four shops have already opened on the Granite Mile with help from the plan: German Doner Kebab at 118; the Tag Heuer watch shop at 132, Lolo and Co clothes shop at 226 and the Cup coffee shop at 474.
Adrian said: “We are already seeing new businesses breathing new life into Union Street – and with more than 60 business ventures registering an interest in this scheme it paints a very optimistic picture for the regeneration of our city centre.
“All of us involved – Aberdeen Inspired, Our Union Street, the council and the chamber – are working together tirelessly to achieve that regeneration and our efforts are paying dividends.”
Image - Aberdeen Inspired
Adrian said the drive to fill empty units at street level will be bolstered by Aberdeen Inspired’s recently announced project looking at ways of bringing unused and underused space on the upper floors back to life to create even more vibrancy and vitality for the Granite Mile.
“Initiatives such as this – along with the boost for the empty shops fund and the £1 evening parking initiative – give real reason for optimism about the future of the city centre and Union Street in particular.”