A HEALTHY debate has been sparked in the Granite City after the City Council’s decision last week to re-introduce traffic to Union Street.
Now, long-term pedestrianisation plans which would revolutionise the city centre hang in the balance.
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Richard Tinto, founder and director of Tinto Architecture, had been looking forward to the reimagining of the city he calls home, labelling the recent City Council decision, “short-sighted”.
“Pedestrianisation of the central section is the way to securing the future of our city centre with a vibrant plaza connecting all the other major investment areas in the city,” he said.
“I’d like to see an inclusive space created that everyone could enjoy and similarly we should work tirelessly to make it attractive, inviting, accessible and safe”
Richard has put together a petition on change.org for those who want to see pedestrianisation reimagine Aberdeen.
He hopes that this petition will spark a movement that will put pedestrianisation plans back on the table in the City Council.
So far, Richards Petition has gained 899 signatures, with a goal to reach at least 1000.
Derren McRae, head of Aberdeen office at CBRE described the decision as a “devastating blow” intimating that permanent pedestrianisation would entice firms back into our high street.
There is also citizen support amongst naysayers who believe that pedestrianisation in the area between Market Street and Guild Street limits access to the elderly and those with disabilities, noting that bus and taxi access would grant them equal admission to Union Street again.
They also hope that re-opening the main route would attract new business to the area. This is also the argument used by those who hoped pedestrianisation measures would stay in place.
For now, it seems our city is divided on the issue.
