At FG Burnett we have been carrying out a 6 monthly review of occupancy levels on Aberdeen’s Union Street for several years now. Our latest survey was carried out on 16th August and the headline outcome is that 25% of those units we include in the survey (189 of them) were vacant as at that date. This is the highest percentage since our survey commenced, at that time it was 17%. In February 2022 the vacancy percentage was 23%.
On the North side of Union Street there are currently 18 voids whilst there are 29 vacancies on the South side. A total of 47. Any unit being fitted out but not trading as at the survey date is treated as vacant. It appears from the length of time that units are taking to fit out and then open for trade (at least 2 were fitting out 6 months ago and are still not open) justifies this approach.
Notable changes include, on the North side, Flight Centre vacating, Deen Travel have also gone as have The Collective. In terms of the South side, Evans Cycles have moved into the former Poundland alongside their sister company Sports Direct. Bravissimo have vacated as have Boots on Union Bridge.
On a positive note Six by Nico have taken up residence as have Merkur Slots whilst Service Graphics have secured the former Ladbrokes towards the West End.
At the date of our survey we were aware of a few deals bubbling under so this will hopefully help the stats 6 months down the line. Frustratingly as one or two units attract occupiers the tendency has been for at least the same number to become empty. We need to see this trend turning around.
31.08.22