From lobbying at a national level through the formation of the Scottish City BIDs Group to jazz and blues, street art and everything in-between, it’s been a busy month for the Aberdeen Inspired team! Get a snapshot of what we’ve been up to below..
Newly formed Scottish City BIDs Group push city BIDS agenda
The newly formed Scottish City BIDs Group met with the Cabinet Secretary for Communities and Local Government, Aileen Campbell MSP (February 21) to push the City BID agenda forward. Chaired by Allan Henderson (chairman of Aberdeen Inspired) and co-chaired by Adrian Watson (chief executive of Aberdeen Inspired), the group was established to progress the strategic objectives of the Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) in the seven Scottish Cities. More here
New look Inspired Nights on the Green is back this summer!
Inspired Nights on The Green is Aberdeen Inspired’s street food market. Celebrating the best in Aberdeen & Shire food traders, we promote farm to fork and the slow food movement, while reactivating the original use of the historic market space on The Green. The monthly event welcomes a diverse age mix of locals, tourists, families, and professionals, who all enjoy organic, locally sourced food with entertainment from local artists painting live, and a backdrop of Nuart Aberdeen street art murals. Click here for event information
Scotland’s favourite artist to give exclusive insight at Nuart Aberdeen
Described by Billy Connolly as “Scotland’s favourite artist”, the celebrated artist and playwright will give an exclusive ‘In Conversation’ interview fronted by the BBC’s Fiona Stalker to open this year’s Nuart Plus series of artist talks, lectures, debates and film screenings. John's art was propelled into the public eye when he was the first artist to paint the ‘Gable End’ of a Glasgow tenement block in 1975. More here
The Scottish Government launches 'The Town Centre Fund'
The Scottish Government announced last month that they have launched a new scheme to support town centres with a £50 million fund for high street investment. This new scheme is indeed a welcomed stimulus for Aberdeen and of course towns and city centres across the country, at a time when it is needed most. The Scottish City BIDs Group played an integral role lobbying the Cabinet Secretary to also secure funding for cities, including £1.3 million for Aberdeen.
Aberdeen is Alive After Five - Free parking pilot comes to an end
As of 31 March 2019, the Alive After Five free parking pilot, in selected Council owned car park's will come to an end. We continue to work with business and Aberdeen City Council to explore options for further developing our wider Alive After Five strategy. Part of that discussion will be on how we continue to draw more people into the city centre of an evening and that will include those that choose to bring their vehicle. Click here for more info and to provide your feedback on Alive After Five
Aberdeen Inspired - Mid Term Survey - Deadline Extension (10/04/2019)
This is your chance to help us understand whether our services are of benefit to your business, and if not, what you would like to see us focus on in the period leading up to our next renewal ballot in March 2021. To mark the mid-point of the current five-year mandate, Aberdeen Inspired is now undertaking a survey of levy payers to understand your views on our activities, and to help us to deliver a better service in the coming months and years. To complete the survey, please email info@aberdeeninspired.com to get a copy of our survey link.
Exploring the idea of 'Parklets' in Aberdeen City Centre
Aberdeen Inspired is currently looking into the feasibility of introducing Parklets into the city centre, following the successes of others up and down the country. They are designed to provide public space to relax and enjoy the atmosphere of the city centre, where parks or other leisure areas are absent, or some degree of regeneration is required. If you want to share your views about Parklets, please contact innes.walker@aberdeeninspired.com
Aberdeen Jazz Festival 2019
Aberdeen Jazz Festival 2019 came to an end this weekend, offering up a whole host of unique performances and events in the heart of the city centre over the last 11 days. We are delighted to be a key partner for this event, back bigger than ever this year including 25 venues, internationally acclaimed artists, Jazz on The Green and the new Aberdeen Blues Weekend. Aberdeen Jazz Festival offers a programme with international impact, helping to motivate and inspire Aberdeen musicians and audiences alike. Find out more here
Share your feedback on the City Centre Masterplan project
Aberdeen City Council is seeking the public's views of the refurbishment to Broad Street, which was completed in Autumn.The £3.2 million City Centre Masterplan project -- funded by the Council, Marischal Square developer Muse, and Sustrans Scotland -- includes an illuminated fountain, trees and benches, improved lighting, and a raised grass area offering flexible event space in front of Marischal College. Click here to provide your feedback
Our portfolio of work to improve the city centre and support business continues to expand. From hosting an array of events to introducing policies, we strive to make Aberdeen a destination city to live, work, play and invest. Our CEO Adrian Watson appreciates your continued support and would welcome any feedback to enhance our outputs in 2019.