The latest FG Burnett Union Street Aberdeen survey results are in.
Every six months since February 2020, we have monitored the levels of vacancy in relation to ground floor units on Union Street. Our latest survey was carried out in September 2026 and, for the first time, we have also produced a short video to bring the figures to life and provide a visual snapshot of the current position on the street.
There are some changes in the latest survey. Since February, 8 new occupiers have taken space on Union Street, with only one occupier leaving.
The new occupiers include Kaizen Coffee Shop, Gamersheek, Chilo’s, 7th Heaven, Game District, Mister C’s, Bargain Deals and Estabulo.
The bigger picture
The latest survey records 38 vacant units out of a total of 188, representing a vacancy rate of 20.2%.
This compares with 45 vacant units, or 24%, in February 2026, and 43 vacant units, or 23%, in August 2025. The first FG Burnett Union Street survey in February 2020 recorded a vacancy level of 18%.
While vacancy remains above the level recorded when we first started the survey in 2020, the latest results show a reduction in the number of vacant units since the previous survey.
The overall mix of occupiers on Union Street continues to evolve, with movement across a number of sectors and continued churn within the food and beverage market.
Union Street and the wider city centre…
The ongoing road and public realm works continue to have an impact on parts of Union Street, particularly around the Market Street section of the street.
The works have affected pedestrian access and the general experience of moving through the area. The highest number of voids remains concentrated around the Market Street area, where a number of buildings do not currently meet occupier requirements in terms of size and configuration.
There are also a number of wider city-centre developments and projects which will influence the retail and leisure environment. Flint, on the former indoor market site, is one such development which will include a mix of occupiers including a large outdoor area for events. The development is expected to provide an additional leisure and food and beverage offer in the area and may also influence pedestrian movement between Union Street and Union Square.
The Union Street Empty Shop Grant Scheme has also provided support for bringing vacant premises back into occupation and continues to be available to support eligible businesses.
Looking ahead…
The vacancy rate remains higher than the 18% recorded when our survey began in February 2020, although the latest survey shows a reduction from 24% in February to 20.2% in September.
The accompanying video provides a different perspective on the current position, showing the mix of occupiers, vacant units and activity along Union Street and bringing the survey figures into a more visual context.
We will continue to monitor the position and report again in six months' time.
