The former Marks & Spencer building in Aberdeen is a prominent sight upon entering the city center, now boarded up and empty. Once a bustling area for shoppers, Union Street, known as the Granite Mile, has seen a decline in foot traffic and retail activity. Marie Sim, a lifelong resident, expressed disappointment at the lack of shopping options, stating, "I come to Union Street to take a bus somewhere else... there's nothing to shop for now… it's horrendous." This trend is reflected across the UK, where high streets have struggled due to the rise of online shopping and out-of-town retail centers.
Aberdeen is implementing a turnaround plan to address its vacant shop issues, with the local council investing tens of millions to revitalize the city center. This includes creating an indoor food and drink market and redeveloping the seafront to attract visitors. High streets are important to community identity, and vacant shops can deter investment and contribute to anti-social behavior.
Politicians, including Andy Burnham, are advocating for a renewed focus on town centers, which currently have a vacancy rate of one in eight properties, according to Green Street, a property analytics firm. Jackie Sadek, a former government adviser, noted that fractured ownership among landlords complicates regeneration efforts.
The cost of running high street businesses has increased, with rising employment costs and business rates contributing to the challenges. Many experts believe there is excess retail space, with a survey indicating that two-thirds of town center experts think there is 20% to 40% too much retail space.
In Aberdeen, the community-led Our Union Street coalition has been formed to address these issues. Bob Keiller, the coalition's head, emphasized the importance of civic pride and community involvement in revitalization efforts. The coalition has received thousands of submissions from residents about their needs and desires for the area.
As of 2023, 57 of the 198 units on Union Street were empty, but 33 have been filled, with 14 more in the process of being let. However, the initiative faces challenges as new vacancies arise. Keiller's team is actively working to improve the appearance of the street and engage with potential tenants.
The local council has introduced financial incentives for new businesses, including grants for property refurbishment and discounts on business rates. Additionally, a High Street troubleshooter, Iain Nicholson, has been brought in to help identify barriers to filling vacant units.
The approach in Aberdeen is noted for its collaboration among various stakeholders, including landlords and volunteers. Other towns, like Crewe, are also exploring similar strategies to revitalize their high streets.
New policies allow councils to auction vacant commercial units that have been empty for over a year, encouraging landlords to lease their properties. While filling empty units is essential, experts argue that town centers need to adapt to changing consumer habits, focusing on residential and office spaces alongside retail.
In Aberdeen, the former BHS department store is being transformed into an entrance plaza for the new food and drink market. The city is also widening pavements to enhance the pedestrian experience, despite some community resistance to the changes.
Funding remains a significant barrier to redevelopment, with rising construction costs impacting project viability. Local leaders are advocating for more autonomy in investment decisions to drive regeneration efforts. Business rates reform is being discussed as a potential immediate solution to support high street businesses.
As Aberdeen works towards revitalization, local entrepreneurs like Lauren Reid, who recently opened a fashion boutique with council support, express cautious optimism about the future of Union Street. Robert Keane, a local property developer, is also contributing to the area's transformation by repurposing the former Trinity shopping center for a national leisure brand.