The FG Burnett Union Street Aberdeen Occupancy survey takes place twice a year and has now been running for 5 years. Our latest biannual survey took place on 1st August, a snapshot of ground floor void levels on the City’s traditional commercial thoroughfare.
Our February survey reported that the total level of vacancies had risen from the 2024 figures, until that point, we had seen a gradual reduction in voids back to pre-Covid levels. Unfortunately, the latest survey records a further increase in vacancies, up to a total of 43 from 40 in February. We would emphasize that the survey is a snapshot and of the 43 voids we are aware that at least 4 units are in the process of fitting out / undergoing refurbishment with a view to opening for trade in the near future. These include 409 Union Street which will open as Jungle Berry the former McGinty’s which is being refurbished following a change in ownership and Golf Academy at 373 Union Street.
As things stand as at 1st August the void level equates to 23% of the total up from 21% 6 months ago. Planned openings in the short term would see that come back down to the 21% level.
Drilling down into the changes in the last 6 months, on the North side Enid Hutt, McGinty’s, The Cleavin Barber and Esslemonts have ceased trading whilst Our Union Street and Scott Mobile and Vapes have taken occupation. On the South side those moving out or ceasing trading comprise JD Sports, MHA and Union Kebab House. New arrivals are Black Sheep Coffee, Tartans/Scarves retailer, Glenhouse Restaurant and Luna Chinese Bistro (formerly Kin Kao).
Richard Noble Director at FG Burnett commented “Our survey includes the best part of 190 premises and we expect to see changes over a 6 month period. Not a lot has changed in terms of the general trend with voids remaining stubbornly high at around 1 in 5. The very successful City Council Union Street Empty Shops Grant Scheme remains open and will continue to attract applications subject to availability of funds. The significant works going on within the traditional prime stretch between Bridge Street and Market Street have not helped footfall levels in the City Centre generally. The works started in April 2024 and our 3 surveys since that time show voids in that specific stretch rising to stand at 23% of the total of 43 units. The trend in this particular location has generally been negative in the last 18 months or so with RBS, JD Sports and Bravissimo ceasing trading. A shining light has been the opening of the Jamieson & Carry flagship following major redevelopment and investment.”
Mr Noble continued “From an FGB perspective we are seeing interest from independents in Union Street and were pleased to have acted for the landlord in the letting at 409 to Jungle Berry. We are also seeing increased interest in attractive city centre thoroughfares like Back Wynd where we recently let unit 12b to Mai’s Vietnamese Kitchen. The focus of multiples is on the covered malls evidenced by our recent lettings in Bon Accord Centre to Fat Face and Superdry with other deals bubbling under.”
