The beginning of 2021 has not been easy and Aberdeen Inspired has been working hard to assist and support businesses through this challenging time. Find out more on this and some wider updates from around the city centre below.
Scottish Roadmap out of lockdown
The First Minister outlined plans for the easing of restrictions across Scotland over the coming months.
In response to this latest announcement Aberdeen Inspired CEO Adrian Watson said: "Respecting that public health takes primacy and with that the need for caution, expectedly, we have already received many messages from our businesses raising concerns over the need for more detail and what the tapered support will actually look like. For many enterprises in the city centre , these next few weeks and months are crucial and the longer the restrictions are in place the more need for commensurate financial support to ensure we have the businesses in place to re-open when it is finally deemed safe to do so."
Read more on the roadmap out of lockdown at our website here
Aberdeen Inspired - City Centre Manager
Aberdeen Inspired's main objectives include supporting businesses through creating a safe and welcoming environment in our city centre. Key to achieving these objectives is our City Centre Manager, Innes Walker.
Since joining Aberdeen Inspired 2 years ago, Innes has played a critical role in supporting enterprise within the Business Improvement District, hosting our many business network groups, as well as assisting with individual difficulties businesses may be facing and supporting them through the current COVID-19 crisis. The City Centre Manager role also provides an effective conduit to key partners such as Aberdeen City Council and Police Scotland.
Find out more about Innes job and how he can help your business at our website here
This Mother's Day, make your mum a WINNER!
Everyone’s mum is one in a million and to celebrate Mother’s Day we’ve put together a fantastic free to enter giveaway.
With a host of prizes from local businesses including, pamper packages, styling appointments, show tickets and meals out, look out for the daily instant win competition running online in the Evening Express from 5 March.
There’s also the chance to win £500 worth of Aberdeen Gift Cards, the perfect gift for mum to spend (when it’s safe to do so) in businesses big and small that support local jobs and local people. So this Mother’s Day show some love with an Aberdeen Gift Card.
Jack Dee to headline Aberdeen International Comedy Festival 2021
Jack Dee will be headlining the opening night of Aberdeen International Comedy Festival 2021, on the 30th of September at the Music Hall! 🎉
“In these difficult and uncertain times people need hope – a ray of sunshine to brighten their day. And that’s very much where I come in” says Jack.
Star of TV sitcoms Bad Move, Lead Balloon and Josh, Jack also hosts the legendary Radio 4 show I’m Sorry I Haven’t A Clue. Additional credits include presenting Jack Dee’s Helpdesk on BBC Two, C4’s The Jack Dee Show, ITV’s Jack Dee’s Saturday Night, BBC’s Jack Dee’s Happy Hour and Jack Dee Live at the Apollo. “In fact,” explains Jack, “I’ve probably appeared in every TV show with my name in the title”.
City Centre Conservation Area Appraisal Public Consultation
Aberdeen City Council has opened public consultation to The Draft City Centre Conservation Area Character Appraisal, which was approved for public consultation at the Planning Development Management Committee on 21st January 2021.
The Draft City Centre Conservation Area Character Appraisal will update the previous Conservation Area Appraisal for Union Street which was written in 2007, taking into account an updated policy and socio-economic context as well as recent developments.
To find out more and take part in the public consultation, visit the Aberdeen City Council Consultation Hub. The consultation will run from 19th February to 2nd April.
COVID-19 Testing facility for asymptomatic key workers
A new facility for key workers without Covid-19 symptoms (asymptomatic) started offering lateral flow tests in Aberdeen from today (Monday 22 February).
The facility will be located at the University of Aberdeen’s Butchart Centre where testing for students will continue in parallel with eligible key workers who will be able to book a test at their convenience.
By taking the test, key workers will be able to better protect their family, colleagues and the wider community by ensuring they are not spreading the virus to others without realising it.
Key workers who want to be tested must book in advance and more details can be found here
Aberdeen Inspired
The period since lockdown in March last year has been exceptionally difficult for Aberdeen City Centre. Aberdeen Inspired works hard to be the positive and strong voice for our city centre at a time when it is most needed. We not only deliver on the ground but strategically influence at a local, national and international level for the best interests of our city.
As we head towards BID ballot later this year we would be delighted to hear from you on what you would like us to prioritise in the next five years. Our CEO Adrian Watson appreciates your continued support and would welcome any feedback to bring our city centre forward. He is always available to meet one to one with levy payers in support of this.