Aberdeen City Council today decided the central section of Union Street would remain open to buses.
The decision was made during a Full Council meeting after a report considering recommendations for the City Centre Masterplan was presented to councillors. Council staff put forward four options for the future of central Union Street to councillors.
The option chosen is two bus lanes with bus laybys (which was option three) and council staff have been instructed to prepare details designs for this.
Co-Leader Councillor Ian Yuill said: “We are keen to ensure that central Union Street is as accessible as possible. Sadly, over the last two years getting from Guild Street up to Union Street has been a real challenge for some people, including people with disabilities, some elderly people and people with limited mobility.
"Today's decision to allow ongoing bus access to central Union Street means as many people as possible will have access to that important part of our city centre. It will also allow for pavement widening to make the area better for pedestrians."
Co-Leader Councillor Alex Nicoll added: "The choice made today does not stop the council introducing full pedestrianisation in the future.
“To do so, the council has agreed it must be satisfied both that suitable 24-hour access arrangements to central Union Street are in place for people with disabilities and limited mobility and that suitable alternative bus and public transport arrangements are available which ensure easy bus passenger access to central Union Street."
A report to the council meeting explained option three retains bus, taxi, and servicing access on central Union Street. There will also be pavement widening which allows for some street greening and furniture to improve to the public realm whilst still facilitating bus access.
The report said pedestrians can cross the street at designated crossing points and a slightly raised road at either end of the street will highlight a change in character along this section of Union Street.
The councillors also agreed to creating a bus priority route – a buses and taxis-only section - on Bridge Street, Guild Street (east of Wapping Street), and Market Street (north of Guild Street).
There will also be a ban on turning right from Union Terrace to Rosemount Viaduct (except for buses, taxis and cycles), and Schoolhill will be pedestrianised from Back Wynd to Flourmill Lane, with access for service vehicles only.
The report to councillors said there will be a net increase of more than 20 spaces in taxi ranks compared to 2019, as well as a net increase of more than 10 accessible parking bays through the city centre.
The council also agreed to undertake a pilot project to spruce up buildings on the block at 107-131 Union Street and report progress to a Full Council meeting in December 2022.
The spruce-up includes funding the façade cleaning works which would act as an incentive for owners and occupiers to complete maintenance works such as decoration, roof repairs, shop front replacements.
As part of the Union Street Building Condition Implementation Plan Pilot, building owners would also receive help by the council streamlining consenting processes so the same consents would be used for one block of buildings, and a set-by-step instruction manual is given to them on how to secure grant funding from all potential sources, procure, and undertake the works.
The committee also agreed a Mini Masterplan for the George Street should be part of a report to Full Council in December 2022.
The council also noted the ongoing engagement with key stakeholders including the Disability Equity Partnership and children and young people which has continued since the last report to Full Council in February 2022 and this engagement is to continue.
The report is at item 9.4 in Agenda for Council on Wednesday, 29th June, 2022, 10.30 am (aberdeencity.gov.uk)