Union Street, Aberdeen: Difference between revisions
Improving geographic accuracy Tags: Mobile edit Mobile web edit |
m spelling, punctuation |
||
| (39 intermediate revisions by 21 users not shown) | |||
| Line 1: | Line 1: | ||
{{Short description|Street in Aberdeen, Scotland, United Kingdom}} |
|||
{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2017}} |
{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2017}} |
||
{{Use British English|date=July 2017}} |
{{Use British English|date=July 2017}} |
||
{{coord|57. |
{{coord|57.1457098|-2.1018608|display=title|region:GB_scale:10000}} |
||
{{more footnotes|date=June 2008}} |
|||
[[File:UnionStreet-287149-Lyn Mcleod.jpg|thumb|upright|left|Looking down Union Street from the Citadel (over Castlegate, before Union Street begins)]] |
[[File:UnionStreet-287149-Lyn Mcleod.jpg|thumb|upright|left|Looking down Union Street from the Citadel (over Castlegate, before Union Street begins)]] |
||
[[File:UnionSteet2-124675-Colin Smith.jpg|thumb|Union Street looking east]] |
[[File:UnionSteet2-124675-Colin Smith.jpg|thumb|Union Street looking east]] |
||
'''Union Street''' is a major street and shopping thoroughfare in [[Aberdeen]], [[Scotland]]. It is named after the [[Acts of Union 1800]] with [[Ireland]]. |
'''Union Street''' is a major street and shopping thoroughfare in [[Aberdeen]], [[Scotland]]. It is named after the [[Acts of Union 1800]] with [[Ireland]]. |
||
| ⚫ | The street is approximately one mile long (1.6 km<ref>{{cite web| url=https://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=A9013%2FUnion+St&daddr=57.14798,-2.093432&hl=en&geocode=FbruZwMdXsff_w%3B&mra=dme&mrcr=0&mrsp=1&sz=17&sll=57.147707,-2.095417&sspn=0.003021,0.009645&ie=UTF8&t=h&z=17| title=Map of Union Street| publisher=Google Maps| access-date=2009-09-12}}</ref>) and a feat of [[engineering]] skill involving the partial levelling of St. Catherine's Hill and the building of [[arch]]es to carry the street over Putachieside. |
||
| ⚫ | |||
==History== |
|||
Union Street was built to relieve the strain of the small, cramped streets that caused problems for people coming into the city. It was built higher than the old town and was designed to include the five entrances from the city: Queens Road - Rubislaw from Hazelhead; George Street from Inverurie and Morayshire; King Street from the north from Bridge Of Don, Peterhead and Fraserburgh; Market Street, which leads to the fishing town of Torry; and Holburn Street to the Ruthrieston and Garthdee areas.<ref>Diane Morgan - ''Granite Mile: The Story Of Aberdeen's Union Street''</ref> |
Union Street was built to relieve the strain of the small, cramped streets that caused problems for people coming into the city. It was built higher than the old town and was designed to include the five entrances from the city: Queens Road - Rubislaw from Hazelhead; George Street from Inverurie and Morayshire; King Street from the north from Bridge Of Don, Peterhead and Fraserburgh; Market Street, which leads to the fishing town of Torry; and Holburn Street to the Ruthrieston and Garthdee areas.<ref>Diane Morgan - ''Granite Mile: The Story Of Aberdeen's Union Street''</ref> |
||
The street was designed in the beginning of the 19th century under plans suggested by [[Charles Abercrombie]] and nearly bankrupted the city. The |
The street was designed in the beginning of the 19th century under plans suggested by [[Charles Abercrombie]] and nearly bankrupted the city. The political backing for the scheme was given by [[Thomas Leys]] chief magistrate of Aberdeen (and later [[Lord Provost]]) and James Hadden.<ref>Aberdeen Press and Journal 22 September 2015</ref> |
||
The Denburn River still runs under Union Bridge but has been covered over by a dual carriageway road. The [[Aberdeen Corporation Tramways|Aberdeen tram network]] operated through Union Street from 1874 to 1958.<ref>{{Cite web|title=The Silver City Vault::Zoom Item|url=http://www.silvercityvault.org.uk/index.php?a=ZoomItem&i=96171&WINID=1506588893769|access-date=2020-08-03|website=www.silvercityvault.org.uk}}</ref> |
|||
| ⚫ | The street is approximately one mile long ( |
||
Pedestrianisation of the street was discussed as early as 1986.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Gossip |first=Alastair |title=Knowing Me, Knowing Union Street: The pedestrianisation saga so far |url=https://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/news/aberdeen-aberdeenshire/4134167/knowing-me-knowing-union-street-pedestrianisation/ |access-date=2022-04-18 |website=Press and Journal |language=en-GB}}</ref> |
|||
| ⚫ | |||
Work began in May 2020 to partially pedestrianise the street and to widen the pavements. The street was completely pedestrianised between Bridge Street and Market Street, with buses routed through [[Guild Street, Aberdeen|Guild Street]] instead.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Project to make Union Street car-free to start this weekend|url=https://www.eveningexpress.co.uk/fp/news/local/project-to-make-union-street-car-free-to-start-this-weekend/|last=Hall|first=Jamie|website=Evening Express|language=en-US|access-date=2020-05-31}}</ref> The street reopened to buses on 3 July 2022.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Union Street Reopening 2022 |url=https://www.firstbus.co.uk/aberdeen/news-and-service-updates/union-street-reopening-2022 |access-date=2022-06-21 |website=First Bus}}</ref> In April 2024, Union Street closed to buses again to allow pavements to be permanently widened and a cycle lane installed in the section between Bridge Street and Market Street.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-04-29 |title=Aberdeen businesses braced for Union Street upgrades |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c2vw5we963no |access-date=2024-05-03 |website=BBC News |language=en-GB}}</ref> |
|||
There are long-term plans to pedestrianise Union Street from [[Union Terrace, Aberdeen|Union Terrace]] to Castlegate.{{citation needed|date=August 2011}} |
|||
In August 2021, [[Aberdeen City Council]] approved a project priced at £100,000 which will see the street and buildings cleaned, graffiti removed, and signs repaired.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Hall|first=Jamie|date=2021-08-12|title=Union Street deep-clean gives city 'blank canvas' for future|url=https://www.eveningexpress.co.uk/fp/news/local/union-street-deep-clean-gives-city-blank-canvas-for-future/|access-date=2021-08-12|website=Evening Express|language=en-US}}</ref> A study released in February 2022 priced repairs to buildings along the street at £11 million.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Saunderson|first=Jamie|date=2022-02-23|title=Spruce-up for Union Street buildings to cost more than £11 million|url=https://www.aberdeenlive.news/news/aberdeen-news/price-tag-11-million-set-6707676|access-date=2022-02-25|website=aberdeenlive|language=en}}</ref> |
|||
==Shops and markets== |
==Shops and markets== |
||
Like other high streets in Scotland, Union Street has seen an increase in empty shops with around a fifth of ground-level retail spaces unoccupied in 2020.<ref>{{Cite news|date=2020-11-02|title=Union Street: Empty stores on the rise in Aberdeen city centre|language=en-GB|work=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-north-east-orkney-shetland-54614825|access-date=2021-10-15}}</ref> |
|||
| ⚫ | Some of the large shops on or accessed directly from Union Street are [[Marks |
||
| ⚫ | |||
The street was home to Bruce Miller's notable musical instrument shop (established 1900) until June 2011, when it closed. |
The street was home to Bruce Miller's notable musical instrument shop (established 1900) until June 2011, when it closed. |
||
Both the [[Bon Accord Centre]] and the [[Trinity Centre, Aberdeen|Trinity Centre]] have entrances on Union Street. In addition, there are bars and a number of [[nightclubs]] on the street, a former cinema building, and a grand façade fronting the churchyard of the [[Kirk of St Nicholas, Aberdeen|Kirk of St. Nicholas]]. |
|||
| ⚫ | |||
[[Jamie Oliver]] also opened an Italian restaurant in the former Esslemont & Mackintosh department store sometime in 2013, however this closed in January 2017.{{update inline|date=July 2014}} |
|||
| ⚫ | |||
[[File:UnionStreetMarket-286819-Richard Slessor.jpg|thumb|Union Street International Market]] |
[[File:UnionStreetMarket-286819-Richard Slessor.jpg|thumb|Union Street International Market]] |
||
Part of Union Street was occasionally closed to traffic for the Aberdeen International Street Market until it was moved to [[Union Terrace, Aberdeen|Union Terrace]], which is adjacent to [[Union Terrace Gardens]]. The market is usually held during the springtime. |
|||
In the runup to Christmas, elaborate [[Christmas lights (holiday decoration)|Christmas lights]] are displayed on gantries above and across the street. A ceremony is usually held to mark the illumination of these lights. |
|||
==Granite Mile== |
==Granite Mile== |
||
The Granite Mile is a local name for the long stretch of road that encompasses Union Street. Granite Mile begins at the |
The Granite Mile is a local name for the long stretch of road that encompasses Union Street. Granite Mile begins at the Castlegate, and the Mercat Cross, near Justice Street. It follows the length of Union Street to Holburn Junction.<ref>{{Cite book|last=Morgan|first=Diane|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=5dz_PQAACAAJ|title=The Granite Mile: The Story of Aberdeen's Union Street|date=2008|publisher=Black & White|isbn=978-1-84502-216-7|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2008-11-03|title=The Granite Mile – a street wider than an Act of Parliament|url=https://www.heraldscotland.com/default_content/12374426.granite-mile---street-wider-act-parliament/|access-date=2021-10-15|website=HeraldScotland|language=en}}</ref> |
||
==References== |
==References== |
||
Latest revision as of 16:17, 5 May 2024
57°08′45″N 2°06′07″W / 57.1457098°N 2.1018608°W
Union Street is a major street and shopping thoroughfare in Aberdeen, Scotland. It is named after the Acts of Union 1800 with Ireland.
The street is approximately one mile long (1.6 km[1]) and a feat of engineering skill involving the partial levelling of St. Catherine's Hill and the building of arches to carry the street over Putachieside.
The Denburn Valley was crossed by Union Street by Union Bridge (constructed 1801–05). The Union Bridge holds the record of the 'Worlds largest single span granite bridge' at 130 feet (40 m) across.
History
[edit]Union Street was built to relieve the strain of the small, cramped streets that caused problems for people coming into the city. It was built higher than the old town and was designed to include the five entrances from the city: Queens Road - Rubislaw from Hazelhead; George Street from Inverurie and Morayshire; King Street from the north from Bridge Of Don, Peterhead and Fraserburgh; Market Street, which leads to the fishing town of Torry; and Holburn Street to the Ruthrieston and Garthdee areas.[2]
The street was designed in the beginning of the 19th century under plans suggested by Charles Abercrombie and nearly bankrupted the city. The political backing for the scheme was given by Thomas Leys chief magistrate of Aberdeen (and later Lord Provost) and James Hadden.[3]
The Denburn River still runs under Union Bridge but has been covered over by a dual carriageway road. The Aberdeen tram network operated through Union Street from 1874 to 1958.[4]
Pedestrianisation of the street was discussed as early as 1986.[5]
Work began in May 2020 to partially pedestrianise the street and to widen the pavements. The street was completely pedestrianised between Bridge Street and Market Street, with buses routed through Guild Street instead.[6] The street reopened to buses on 3 July 2022.[7] In April 2024, Union Street closed to buses again to allow pavements to be permanently widened and a cycle lane installed in the section between Bridge Street and Market Street.[8]
In August 2021, Aberdeen City Council approved a project priced at £100,000 which will see the street and buildings cleaned, graffiti removed, and signs repaired.[9] A study released in February 2022 priced repairs to buildings along the street at £11 million.[10]
Shops and markets
[edit]Like other high streets in Scotland, Union Street has seen an increase in empty shops with around a fifth of ground-level retail spaces unoccupied in 2020.[11]
Some of the large shops on or accessed directly from Union Street are Marks & Spencer (on St Nicholas Street), HMV, Mostyn McKenzie, Cruise, AllSaints, Lakeland, the Trinity Centre, and Sports Direct.
The street was home to Bruce Miller's notable musical instrument shop (established 1900) until June 2011, when it closed.
Both the Bon Accord Centre and the Trinity Centre have entrances on Union Street. In addition, there are bars and a number of nightclubs on the street, a former cinema building, and a grand façade fronting the churchyard of the Kirk of St. Nicholas.
In 2012, HSBC opened its biggest Scottish branch on the street. Pret a Manger also opened.
Part of Union Street was occasionally closed to traffic for the Aberdeen International Street Market until it was moved to Union Terrace, which is adjacent to Union Terrace Gardens. The market is usually held during the springtime.
In the runup to Christmas, elaborate Christmas lights are displayed on gantries above and across the street. A ceremony is usually held to mark the illumination of these lights.
Granite Mile
[edit]The Granite Mile is a local name for the long stretch of road that encompasses Union Street. Granite Mile begins at the Castlegate, and the Mercat Cross, near Justice Street. It follows the length of Union Street to Holburn Junction.[12][13]
References
[edit]- ^ "Map of Union Street". Google Maps. Retrieved 12 September 2009.
- ^ Diane Morgan - Granite Mile: The Story Of Aberdeen's Union Street
- ^ Aberdeen Press and Journal 22 September 2015
- ^ "The Silver City Vault::Zoom Item". www.silvercityvault.org.uk. Retrieved 3 August 2020.
- ^ Gossip, Alastair. "Knowing Me, Knowing Union Street: The pedestrianisation saga so far". Press and Journal. Retrieved 18 April 2022.
- ^ Hall, Jamie. "Project to make Union Street car-free to start this weekend". Evening Express. Retrieved 31 May 2020.
- ^ "Union Street Reopening 2022". First Bus. Retrieved 21 June 2022.
- ^ "Aberdeen businesses braced for Union Street upgrades". BBC News. 29 April 2024. Retrieved 3 May 2024.
- ^ Hall, Jamie (12 August 2021). "Union Street deep-clean gives city 'blank canvas' for future". Evening Express. Retrieved 12 August 2021.
- ^ Saunderson, Jamie (23 February 2022). "Spruce-up for Union Street buildings to cost more than £11 million". aberdeenlive. Retrieved 25 February 2022.
- ^ "Union Street: Empty stores on the rise in Aberdeen city centre". BBC News. 2 November 2020. Retrieved 15 October 2021.
- ^ Morgan, Diane (2008). The Granite Mile: The Story of Aberdeen's Union Street. Black & White. ISBN 978-1-84502-216-7.
- ^ "The Granite Mile – a street wider than an Act of Parliament". HeraldScotland. 3 November 2008. Retrieved 15 October 2021.