WELCOME TO YOUR LATEST IN TOUCH NEWSLETTER
There is more than one way to look at how best to breathe new life into Union Street – and that includes looking up.
Which is why I am delighted that an expert task force of specialists – a “dream team” if I may quote the P&J – has now been assembled to look at the many ambitious and innovative ways the disused and under-used upper floors of the Granite Mile can be regenerated.
Aberdeen’s Upper Floors Project, driven by Aberdeen Inspired, is a first in the UK, trailblazing in bringing together architects, developers, commercial agents and council specialists in planning and building standards.
These are the sort of disciplines needed to find a clear path in how best to use some of these near-void spaces and now their talent and expertise will be laser-focuses on the task at hand – creating a living and liveable neighbourhood community in the heart of Aberdeen.
Let’s be clear, though, that this is no simple task. There are many hurdles, pitfalls and barriers ahead. But if this expert panel cannot find a way to navigate these and help get these spaces back into vibrant use, then I’m not sure who can.
While the obstacles might be many, the potential is limitless.
Imagine new homes, new shops, new hospitality offerings, offices and even art spaces and health services blossoming above the street level of Union Street, all dovetailing in the ongoing work at street level by partners and stakeholders such as the city council and Our Union Street.
Such is the potential impact of the Upper Floor Projects that other cities and towns are watching and waiting to see what it can achieve.
The hope – the vision – is that we can show the nation how to create a living community in the heart of your city.
The only way is up.
Best wishes,
Adrian Watson,
Chief Executive, Aberdeen Inspired
STORIES
Image Credits - Aberdeen Inspired
Expert task force revealed to help bring upper floors of Union Street back to life
An expert task force has been assembled to help bring the upper floors of Union Street back to vibrant life and create a “living and liveable neighbourhood community” in the heart of the Granite City.
The team brings together council specialists in planning and building standards with architects, developers and commercial letting agents to find new and innovative uses for unused or unused premises above the ground floor level of the Granite Mile.
The Upper Floors Project is being driven by Aberdeen Inspired with support from Aberdeen City Council (ACC) and the wider city centre business community and stakeholders.
Find out all the details about the Upper Floors Project here.
Image Credits - Tall Ships Races Aberdeen
First performance of Tall Ships anthem and first debut for mascot Dorry the Dolphin
The official Aberdeen anthem for this summer’s much-anticipated Tall Ships spectacular was given its premiere today (Thursday, 27 March) to great acclaim.
In another first for The Tall Ships Races, the event's official mascot - Dorry the Dolphin - made a debut appearance at the special lunchtime concert in Aberdeen Art Gallery's Cowdray Hall.
Primary 4 pupils from Abbotswell School sang ‘The Sea Journey’ to an audience of 150, including composer Clara-Jane Maunder who wrote the piece for the Aberdeen City Council Music Service pupils to celebrate the Tall Ships return to the city.
You can read more about it here.
Image Credits - Tall Ships Races Aberdeen
‘Get them while you can’ alert as tickets for sensational Tall Ships Quayside Concerts are snapped up
Tickets for the sensational Quayside Concerts for the Tall Ships Races Aberdeen 2025 are being snapped up so quickly, organisers are urging music fans to get them while they can.
And to add to the excitement, one of the biggest icons of House Music, Paul Oakenfold, has been revealed as the support for the Ministry of Sound Classical gig, one of the headline acts that includes Deacon Blue and Kaiser Chiefs.
You can read more about it here.
Image Credits - Nuart Aberdeen // Conor Gault Photography
Come and discover the stunning Nuart Aberdeen works that transform our city
The hugely-popular Nuart Aberdeen tours return from this weekend, offering everyone a chance to explore the street art festival’s rich legacy that has forever changed the cityscape.
The tours will run from this Sunday, March 30, right through the summer, giving people the chance to discover the range of works – from mammoth murals to intimate pieces – as well as hear the stories of how they were created and the world-class artists behind them.
Find out more about Nuart Tours details here.
Image Credits - Aberdeen Inspired
Aberdeen Restaurant Weeks serves up success for city centre economy
Aberdeen Restaurant Weeks have served up another huge success with some businesses reporting a 35% increase in customers while figures show an increase in city centre footfall.
Feedback on the Foodie Fortnight, which ended on Sunday, March 4, has been overwhelmingly positive from discerning diners, too, said Aberdeen Inspired, which organises the hugely popular celebration of the best cuisine in the city.
You can find out more here.
Image Credits - Aberdeen Inspired
Foodie Passport win proves a timely boost for brave Laura Allen
Laura Allen is the delighted winner of a £500 Aberdeen Gift Card after entering the Foodie Passport competition as part of Aberdeen Restaurant Weeks – and says hearing the news of the prize went a long way to brightening up her life after a difficult time.
A firm fan of the city’s Foodie Fortnight Laura was delighted to receive the good news and told us: “I am shocked and delighted ... this has really cheered me up. Those dinners and lunches I went out for during Aberdeen Restaurant Weeks were on either side of me getting surgery for breast cancer.”
You can read Laura’s story here.
Image Credits - Aberdeen Cocktail Week
Say ‘cheers’ as Aberdeen Cocktail Week launches special Spring Edition
Aberdeen Inspired has said cheers to a special Spring Edition of Aberdeen Cocktail Week, running from May 14 to 25.
Now in its fourth iteration, the festival expands beyond its usual October slot, promising a curated line-up of special cocktails. Adrian Watson, chief executive of Aberdeen Inspired, said the city centre Business Improvement District is pleased to be backing this new venture for the popular cocktail week.
Read more about this delicious festival here.
Image Credits - Aberdeen Inspired
Aberdeen Beer Festival’s sell-out success shows ‘thirst’ for it to become an annual event
The new Aberdeen Beer Festival is a sell-out success even before the keenly-anticipated event is due to take place in the Music Hall next month.
All the tickets for both the afternoon and evening sessions of the event on Saturday, April 12, have been snapped up, to the delight of organisers Fierce Beer, supported by Aberdeen Inspired.
The organisers hope the overwhelming support might pave the way to the festival becoming an annual event.
You can read more here.
Image Credits - Tall Ships Races Aberdeen
Aberdeen's creatives set sail as Tall Ships Makers Programme showcases local talent
Local maker Laura Sherriffs has been awarded a £5,000 prize for her outstanding work in the Tall Ships Aberdeen 2025 Makers Programme, which showcases a wave of creativity sparked by the Tall Ships’ return to Aberdeen.
The programme - which is now on display at the city’s Art Gallery - features maritime-inspired crafts and eco-conscious designs by five local creatives, capturing the spirit of this once-in-a-generation event.
Find out more about their wonderful work here.
Image Credits - Raven Afrikulture
Rich culture of African music and creativity in Granite City to be celebrated in special festival week
Plans to celebrate the rich thread of African music, culture and creativity in the Granite City with a special Aberdeen Music Week this summer are being supported by Aberdeen Inspired.
The Business Improvement District is backing city-based Raven Afrikulture who are organising the event from August 20 to 23 as a flagship offshoot of their successful Afro Indie Series which immerses audience in the “heart and soul” of Afro-indie music.
Both the series – which returns at the Lemon Tree on Saturday, April 5 - and the planned music week aim to give local artists the chance to support and share their creativity with established and well-known African musicians.
You can read more about Raven Afrikulture here.
Image Credits - Colin Hattersley
Restless Natives bring mischief to the Aberdeen Letters Ahead of His Majesty’s Theatre show
The iconic Aberdeen letters at Union Terrace Gardens became the perfect backdrop for a bit of highland mischief as the Clown and the Wolfman made their mark in the Granite City.
The pair, famous for their antics in the 1985 cult classic Restless Natives, are touring Scotland to celebrate the upcoming stage adaptation of the film, Restless Natives: The Musical, coming to HMT.
You can read more here.