Aberdeen's Our Union Street project will receive an additional
£600,000 from the Scottish Government, Business Minister 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.
