£600,000 for Aberdeen’s Our Union Street

Aberdeen’s Our Union Street project will receive an additional £600,000 from the Scottish Government, Business Minister Tom Arthur has announced.

The investment, progressing one of the Scottish Government’s 100-day commitments, will build on the existing work which has seen a number of vacant units brought back into use, shop front improvements and stronger partnership working with local organisations and businesses.

The money adds to the £400,000 already contributed by the Scottish Government, taking the total investment in the key regeneration project to £1 million.

Mr Arthur said:

“Union Street has long been the heart of Aberdeen, and like many towns and city centres it has faced significant challenges in recent years.

“With support from our £400,000 investment to date, the project is delivering tangible and visible improvements to the street, including improved cleaning and maintenance, exhibits and makeovers of vacant units that have drawn people back into the centre.

“Our investment has supported innovative digital solutions in reimagining the city, particularly the introduction of a smartphone app, which is helping people engage with the city centre in new ways. Increased occupancy and footfall have helped reinforce confidence of the city centre as a place to live, work and invest.

“We are working closely with the Our Union Street team and Aberdeen City Council to ensure this additional funding builds on existing momentum, while also sending a clear message that Aberdeen City Centre is open for business and committed to attracting investment, talent and new enterprise.”

The Scottish Government will also establish a partnership group to support the redevelopment of the People’s Palace, recognising its status as a building of national cultural and historic significance and its role in the regeneration of Glasgow’s East End.

This group will bring together key partners, including Historic Environment Scotland, the National Lottery Heritage Fund, Glasgow Life, Museum Galleries Scotland and Scottish Enterprise, alongside wider sectoral expertise, to work collaboratively with Glasgow City Council in progressing the refurbishment of the People’s Palace and Winter Gardens.

Mr Arthur added:

“At the heart of the People’s Palace redevelopment project is an ambitious vision for the local communities in the East End of Glasgow. This project will use a community-led approach to create a museum by the people, for the people.

“Investing in Our Union Street and the People’s Place demonstrates our clear commitment to regeneration that is locally led, nationally supported, and focused on delivering real change.”