ABERDEEN’S bustling Union Street, the heart of the city’s retail and social scene, is set to undergo a significant transformation as part of a multi-million-pound revitalization project known as the Granite Mile. The project, slated to commence imminently, will see a portion of Union Street closed for an extended period, with diversions planned for major city centre events.
The focal point of the renovation is the creation of an expansive cycle lane along the central stretch of Union Street, with plans for further extension along its entirety. This ambitious endeavour forms part of a broader £100 million overhaul, encompassing upgrades to neighbouring thoroughfares such as Rose Street, Thistle Street, and Chapel Street.
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The initial phase of the Union Street refurbishment will concentrate on the section between Market Street and Bridge Street. Anticipated to span at least seven months, this segment, which currently caters primarily to buses and taxis, will undergo comprehensive improvements.
While exact commencement dates are pending confirmation, preparations are underway for the impending works, expected to commence in the coming weeks. Aberdeen City Council has assured that information regarding the start of construction will be disseminated in due course.
In tandem with the Union Street renovations, proposals are being considered to introduce cycle lanes across Market Street, Guild Street, Carmelite Street, Correction Wynd, St Nicholas Lane, and St Nicholas Street, enhancing the city’s infrastructure for cyclists and pedestrians alike.
However, the ambitious renovation plans come with an acknowledgement of the inevitable disruptions they will entail. City centre events, including parades and protest processions that traditionally traverse Union Street, will be rerouted to accommodate the construction works.
The forthcoming Grampian Pride parade, scheduled for May 25, will be among the events affected by the Union Street roadworks. Traditionally spanning the length of Union Street, this year’s procession will chart a new course, diverting through Union Terrace and Schoolhill before culminating at Marischal Square on Broad Street.
This deviation from the norm will necessitate temporary closures along the revised parade route, impacting other forthcoming events throughout the year. Notable events affected include the Aberdeen Trade Union Council and STUC parade, Grampian Pride, Armed Forces Day, Celebrate Aberdeen, Remembrance Sunday, and the Christmas lights switch-on parade.
The events team at Aberdeen City Council has advised that while current dates are provided for reference, additional processions may be added to the schedule on short notice. Closure durations are expected to vary depending on the event scale, with main routes typically closed for two to three hours.
As Aberdeen embarks on this ambitious urban rejuvenation endeavour, the temporary inconveniences are outweighed by the long-term benefits anticipated for residents, businesses, and visitors alike. The Granite Mile project signals a bold step towards a more vibrant, sustainable, and inclusive urban landscape for Aberdeen.
