IN TOUCH - ISSUE 46

WELCOME TO YOUR LATEST IN TOUCH NEWSLETTER

We all know Union Street needs to change… but we also know change brings uncertainty and worry.

The changes which are about to happen on Union Street Central – not least the creation of a brand-new £40 million market building – are transformational in every sense of the word.

The end result will go a long way to meeting the aims and ambitions of everyone who is invested in and passionate about the Granite City – creating a city centre people want to visit, to linger in, to enjoy and to support local businesses and attractions.

These changes could be the foundation of that regeneration we all talk about and want. There is much to gain.

At the same time, there is no way we can avoid the inevitable pain that will flow from months of construction work and disruption.

But there is a way to ease that anguish, one that involves three little words: Open For Business

That is a phrase we are all going to hear a lot for the foreseeable future. It is a phrase we all need to repeat, loudly and often.

Already, many Union Street and city centre businesses have come on board with the Open For Business campaign spearheaded by the city council, backed by all of us here at Aberdeen Inspired and other stakeholders in the city.

Aberdeen Inspired will take every opportunity to tell the public, here in the city and further afield, that Union Street shops, restaurants, attractions, and businesses are waiting to welcome customers. That they need their support in these next few months more than ever.

We will also be ready to do whatever we can to support our levy payers, to make sure they have access to the information they want and the help they need as these changes are made.

By all working together we can make sure Union Street – and the wider city centre – is open for business today, tomorrow and into a brighter future.

Best wishes,

Adrian Watson, Chief Executive, Aberdeen Inspired

Union Street traders help launch an Open For Business campaign

Owners and managers of shops, cafes, and services on Union Street Central today put their weight behind a campaign to reassure people the area is open for business during major improvement works.

The works to the Union Street Central area - between the Market Street and Bridge Street junctions – will make it more attractive and vibrant, as will the building of the new market. During the works, access will continue to all shops and businesses for pedestrians, as well as access for delivery vehicles. The latest updates on the work can be found on the Generation Aberdeen website.

You can read more about it here.

Aberdeen’s Umbrella Project arrives in blaze of summer glory to celebrate neurodiversity

Summer has arrived in a blaze of glory – and so has Aberdeen’s inspirational Umbrella Project.

Crowds flocked to Shiprow on Saturday, May 18, to be part of the all-singing, all-dancing launch of the initiative which will celebrate and raise awareness of neurodiversity over the summer months, with a canopy of brightly-coloured brollies.

You can read more about the launch event – including a gallery and video - here.

Walls to be transformed by Nuart Aberdeen revealed – including at strategic gateways to the Granite City

Acclaimed street artist Hera is set to craft one of the largest murals ever created for Nuart Aberdeen on the walls of the Union Point building which towers above the city’s harbour.

And Aberdeen’s own KMG will set the street art festival soaring by working on walls at Aberdeen International Airport – meaning visitors will be welcomed at two of the Granite City’s strategic gateways by stunning Nuart murals.

A total of 11 artists from around the world will descend on the Granite City for the world-class street art festival, which will run from June 6 to 9 and includes the UK premiere of a Banksy documentary.

You can read more about it here.

Shout out for Nuart Aberdeen specials

Is your businesses doing anything special to mark the brilliant Nuart Aberdeen weekend?

Are you creating a special cocktail, offering a discount, have a special rate for guests or visitors?

With thousands of people flocking to the city centre for this world-acclaimed street art festival, from June 6 to 9. it’s a perfect opportunity to put your company in the spotlight.

Let us know of any Nuart Aberdeen offers you have and we’ll give you a shout out through our social media channels. Just email our Business Engagement and Development Manager, Danuta Dobrzanska at danuta.dobrzanska@aberdeeninspired.com

Young Aberdonians offered taste of Tall Ships adventure this summer

Young Aberdonians will have the opportunity to experience life aboard a historic Scottish Tall Ship this summer.

From 10 - 23 July, participants can join the crew of ‘Swan’ for taster sailing days departing from Port of Aberdeen.

These sailing adventures are open to individuals aged 15 - 25 living in an AB postcode – no sailing experience is required! Bookings will open on Eventbrite from 10 June 2024 and will include a mandatory training and information session.

You can read more about it here.

Delight as city pubs allowed to allow pubs to screen Euros in outdoor areas

Football fans will be able to enjoy the Euros in outdoor areas at Granite City pubs and bars this summer after the city licensing board unanimously backed a call from Aberdeen Inspired to relax rules during the tournament.

Adrian Watson, chief executive of the Business Improvement District, was delighted the board agreed to his request to temporarily suspend a ban on amplified music or entertainment in outdoor areas of licensed premises.

You can read more about it here.

Campaign launched to ‘clear the air’ ahead of Aberdeen’s Low Emission Zone being enforced

With just over a week until Aberdeen’s Low Emission Zone comes into force, a campaign has been launched to provide the necessary information for everyone navigating in and around the city centre.

The Let’s Clear the Air campaign has been developed in partnership with Aberdeen City Council and Getabout and will clearly communicate what and where the LEZ is, why it is being introduced and what motorists should do ahead of enforcement on 1st of June 2024.

You can read more about it here.

Everybody’s Talking About Jamie

Now on its second tour, Everybody’s Talking About Jamie brings its spark and style to Aberdeen this week.

It is a heart-warming show that sizzles with sass and is sure to delight audiences, if the success of opening night at His Majesty’s is anything to go by.

Read our review of this stunning show here.

Meet The Levy Payer: Kuoni Aberdeen

Tucked away on one of the Granite City’s most historic streets is a gateway to help you discover the whole, wide world.

Kuoni Aberdeen on Back Wynd is dedicated to giving the people of Aberdeen the holidays they want and deserve, from luxury trips in exotic climes to weekend city breaks, said store manager Chris Winpenny-Cushine.

We caught up with Chris for a chat about the exciting things in store for Kuoni. He tells us why the firm loves being in the heart of the city and shares some exciting plans for the next few months. You can read more about it here.