Aberdeen’s ambitious £20 million transformation of its historic Union Street ‘Granite Mile’ has reached its two-year operational milestone this week, marking a critical juncture for the city’s most significant streetscape overhaul in two centuries.
Launched on 29th April 2024, the ‘Union Street Central’ project, part of the wider £150 million Aberdeen City Centre and Beach Master Plan, aims to revitalise the area between Bridge Street and Market Street with widened pavements, new granite road surfaces, and improved pedestrian and cycle access.
However, the journey has been fraught with challenges. The initiative, initially slated for completion in August 2025, then pushed to spring 2026, is now “likely” to extend into summer 2026, according to recent council reports. The primary culprits for these persistent delays have been the unexpected discovery of uncharted utilities, old tram tracks, and buried structures beneath the street, compounded by what the council describes as “contractor productivity issues.”
Originally conceived in the late 18th century as an engineering marvel to connect the city’s disparate areas, Union Street was a project that famously almost bankrupted the city. Today, it forms that city’s commercial spine, but like many UK high streets, it has grappled with a rise in vacant units. This situation has been exacerbated by the ongoing construction, as well as the implementation of controversial bus gates in August 2023 and a Low Emission Zone in June 2024, which local businesses argue have significantly impacted footfall.
Despite these setbacks, some progress is visible. Teams are meticulously laying thousands of locally-sourced granite setts, installing wider footways, and forming new bus islands.
Work is also underway on the critical Union Bridge section, which commenced earlier this month and involves waterproofing with a specialist resin – ACC warning only last week that this may produce “pungent” odours. This bridge component is considered “an entirely different proposition” with its own unique difficulties.
A council update in December last year stated: “Given current measures taken to mitigate issues and delay, programme estimates indicate completion in Spring 2026.”
“There are a number of risks still present within the planned works, which if realised, are likely to extend the works into summer 2026.”
Central to the Union Street regeneration is the new £40 million Flint Market, set to become a vibrant food and drink destination. With a striking glass façade now taking shape at its Union Street entrance, and an anticipated opening in late 2027, the market aims to improve connectivity between Union Street, The Green, and major transport hubs. Morrison Construction is the main contractor for both the Union Street Central works and the new market.
Local sentiment remains mixed. While some residents express frustration at the “glacial progress,” others voice excitement for the envisioned revitalisation.
Bob Keiller, Chairman of Our Union Street, acknowledges the challenges but states: “Regeneration is not delivered overnight; it is built gradually through accumulation, with more companies choosing the city centre, more destinations opening, and more reasons for people to return.”
Richard Brooks, the Conservative group leader, earlier criticised the council’s leadership, accusing them of leaving affected traders “with their fingers crossed.” He added: “The poor scheduling of traffic orders, together with the continued renovation work, has crippled our city centre trade.”
“Now we have a delayed Union Street revamp, and a ‘suck-it-and-see’ Union Bridge redevelopment. If there are further delays, the administration really do need to look at compensating those businesses already holding on by a thread.”
In Case You Missed it:
Labour Councillor Deena Tissera also commented: “City centre works have been marked by repeated setbacks, undermining public confidence. The planned closure of Union Bridge raises fears of further unforeseen issues. These problems should have been avoided through comprehensive engineering surveys and proper planning before the project began.”
Responding to the criticism, Aberdeen City Council co-leader Ian Yuill dismissed Mr Brooks’ remarks as “talking nonsense, and talking down Aberdeen city centre”. The Council continues to advocate that Union Street remains “open for business” throughout the works, and have offered initiatives such as an Empty Shops Grant Scheme to mitigate the disruption.
As the project enters its third year, the focus intensifies on completing the remaining sections, particularly the complex Union Bridge works and integrating the new market entrance. The ultimate success of this extensive endeavour hinges on navigating these final hurdles to deliver a rejuvenated “Granite Mile” that can truly serve as a modern, thriving heart for Aberdeen.
