Chief Officer’s blog by Kimberley Guthrie
I was delighted to be joined by my colleague Rebecca Mather, National Programme Manager for Scotland’s Business Improvement Districts, on a trip to Aberdeen to find out more about the brilliant work being carried out to revitalise the city centre.
Aberdeen is undergoing an incredible transformation, with a renewed focus on placemaking that is helping to breathe new life back into the city centre. Vibrant initiatives, creative events and a commitment to local businesses are paving the way for a thriving, sustainable future.
Boosting Footfall and Economic Growth with City Business Improvement Districts
At the heart of Aberdeen’s transformation is the crucial work of the City Business Improvement District (Aberdeen Inspired). Our city BIDs do a stellar job of delivering initiatives to drive economic growth, and Aberdeen Inspired has made a tangible difference in creating a better environment in which to live, work and visit, and is attracting investment as a result.
The BID has been instrumental in bringing footfall back to the city centre, a task vital for stimulating economic growth. As cities worldwide recover from the challenges of the coronavirus pandemic, Aberdeen’s BID initiatives play a pivotal role in ensuring the economic resilience of local businesses. By attracting more visitors and encouraging residents to shop, eat, and explore locally, Aberdeen Inspired is creating a thriving city centre that benefits businesses and communities alike.
Creative Placemaking: Nuart Aberdeen and the Power of Art
One of the standout examples of creative placemaking in Aberdeen is the incredible Nuart Aberdeen festival. This internationally recognised street art event has redefined the city’s public spaces, turning walls and alleys into canvases for large-scale murals. Street art has a unique power to connect people, and Nuart has brought communities together in a celebration of creativity. The festival attracts visitors from across the globe, putting Aberdeen on the international stage and transforming the city into a vibrant hub of artistic expression.
Supporting Local for a vibrant economy
Aberdeen has always been a city with a strong sense of identity, and initiatives like the 
Aberdeen Gift Card have only strengthened this. Also forming part of the Scotland Loves Local programme, the gift card encourages support for local businesses, communities, and employers. Their outstanding gift card programme has shown Aberdeen Inspired to be pioneering ambassadors of localism.
Revitalising Union Street: A New Beginning
Union Street, once known as
the “Granite Mile,” has long been the heart of the city centre. Vacancy levels and economic challenges have, however, taken their toll on this iconic street. It was uplifting to see the tremendous efforts to revitalise Union Street are in full swing, addressing those occupancy rates and breathing new life into the area. The impact has been profound; as businesses return, footfall increases, and the street begins to shine once again. This transformation is giving Union Street back its charm and reinforcing its place as the centrepiece of Aberdeen’s bustling city life.
Aberdeen Restaurant Week: A Delicious Success
Aberdeen Restaurant Week has quickly become a much-anticipated event, drawing food lovers from across the region to sample the city’s culinary delights. This initiative has not only brought people out to enjoy the local dining scene but has also inspired other cities to follow suit. Restaurant Week encourages residents and visitors alike to explore new restaurants, cafes, and bars, giving local businesses a boost while offering people a taste of Aberdeen’s vibrant food culture.
The Umbrella Project: Raising Awareness with Colour
The Umbrella Project has brightened Aberdeen’s streets with colourful, eye-catching displays of suspended umbrellas, but this initiative goes far beyond visual impact. In partnership with the ADHD Foundation, the Umbrella Project raises awareness for neurodiverse conditions such as ADHD and autism. This creative installation brings the community together while fostering understanding and support for people living with these conditions. It also makes for the perfect photograph!
A City of Selfies: Aberdeen’s Iconic Letters
In case anyone forgets where they are, Aberdeen’s giant letters proudly spell out the city’s name in lights. This landmark structure has quickly become a favourite spot for tourists and locals alike to snap selfies and create lasting memories. It’s more than just a photo opportunity; it’s a bold reminder of Aberdeen’s sense of pride and identity, showcasing the city’s name to the world in a fun and engaging way.I would love to see these in all of our cities and large towns across Scotland
Looking Forward to Even More Events
If there’s one thing Aberdeen knows how to do, it’s how to host spectacular events. From festivals to art displays, Aberdeen’s event calendar is always buzzing with excitement. One of the most anticipated upcoming events is the Tall Ships Races in the summer of 2025, an international sailing event that will bring even more visitors to the city. With the momentum already building from the current initiatives, it’s clear that Aberdeen’s future is brimming with cultural and economic potential.
Stay up to date with upcoming events in Aberdeen on the BID’s website
If you would like to be put in touch with Adrian Watson, Chief Executive of Aberdeen Inspired, get in touch with Rebecca Mather. More details about the work of Scotland’s Improvement Districts – which is led by our team at STP – can be found at www.improvementdistricts.scot
