Union Square Developments - Retail Development - Aberdeen, Union Square
Date: 29 Nov 2002
Union Square Developments Limited has started key works on the 51,095 sq m (550,000 sq ft) mixed-use retail and leisure development in the centre of Aberdeen. Located next to the main rail and bus stations between Guild Street and Market Street, the £140 million 8.9ha (22 acre) Union Square scheme is the largest project of its type currently underway in Scotland and one of the biggest in the UK.
The first phase of the development includes the disposal of redundant railway infrastructure, including demolition of the derelict goods warehouse fronting Guild Street. Removal of the warehouse*, which is in very poor condition and has been described as a city centre eyesore, started this week.
Work is progressing following a go-ahead by the Lands Tribunal, which ruled in favour of the development proceeding, provided a rail freight terminal, that occupies a small part of the site, is relocated to purpose-built facilities in the north and south of the city. The scheme already has full planning permission and was approved by Scottish Executive two years ago. Union Square is scheduled to open in 2006.
Union Square Developments is in discussions with a wide range of retailers and leisure operators — many of which are not currently operating in Aberdeen — and is currently finalising legal agreements with key occupiers. The first tenants will be confirmed in the New Year.
Union Square has been carefully planned as an urban regeneration initiative and will reuse brownfield land. This is very much in line with national planning policy, which seeks to bring new life to city centres. The development includes an exciting upgrade to the existing railway station and bus station that will create a new public transport hub. Other features include a new civic square, as well as 1,750 car parking spaces.
Union Square Developments is working closely with Aberdeen city council and other local organisations and interest groups, to ensure that the scheme delivers maximum benefits to the population of Aberdeen and Grampian region. The new facilities are expected to provide a large number of new jobs and the additional facilities will dramatically improve the environment around Guild Street.
Campbell Whyte, director of Union Square Developments, commented: “The demolition of the old goods warehouse is a clear sign that Union Square is happening, which is good news both for the people of Aberdeen and the city’s business community. Many innovative retailers are looking to open new units, but cannot find the right type of space and environment in existing shopping streets and centres. We can attract these retailers by providing a wide range of units that will complement the city’s existing retail offer. In this way we can persuade retailers to open their doors, who might otherwise not include Aberdeen on their list of destinations.”
“Attracting new business is only part of the equation, though. For the scheme to be a success, we need to provide an environment that is exciting and easy to use. That is why the new bus and rail interchange is such an important part of the project — Union Square will be a gateway for people travelling into the city and we want to make sure it is a gateway we can all be proud of.”
Whyte continued: “We welcome the support and enthusiasm of the city council and look forward to continuing to work closely with them as the scheme progresses to completion.”
Scotland’s Largest Retail/Leisure Scheme Is Underway At Union Square
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