Aberdeen is currently undergoing a major transformation, with the City Centre and Beach Masterplan well underway.
The Granite City’s beach, Union Street and the new Market will all be shiny and new by the time Aberdeen City Council’s work on the £150 million project is complete.
However, we wanted to know what Aberdeen Live readers most wanted to change about the city – and we received more than 400 responses.
With opinions ranging from shop rents to LEZ lanes, hundreds of you had your thoughts on what would transform our city into the best version of itself.
One of the most common responses came in a pair: fines for the Low Emission Zone (LEZ) and bus lanes.
Teams are working to install the new market’s roof
(Image: Aberdeen City Council)
One reader said: “Low rents for shop owners, free parking everywhere, no LEZ lanes, no bus lanes, no fines for going the wrong way, sense of freedom for those who work hard.”
Another simply said: “LEZ and bus gates!” while another added: “All bus lanes to operate the same times. Not some one time and others different”.
Meanwhile, one reader said: “The bus gates in town. I feel like the anxiety around going into town has increased since they’ve been added!”
One person explained that he would also like to see more protection for the oil and gas industry: “I love this city. I love its people. I love its character. I love its nature. I love its schools, universities, infrastructure. Generally I think the council is trying to do its best. And I won’t moan too much cause I’m not willing to take on the responsibility that they do.
“I don’t like the bus gates and the LEZ much. That was not their best decisions.
“Most of all I feel that we, not just the council, all of us must do our best to protect the remaining O&G industry that we have, and develop new industries, especially energy and technology industries, at a rapid rate. Not idealistic feel good ideas. Just practical get the job done ideas. We are going to need to work hard to keep a thriving Aberdeen economy.”
Meanwhile, greater support for shop owners was another popular response.
One person said: “Cut all business fees for first three years to encourage new businesses into Union Street…Ban any more vape or cash converters. Wave all parking charges and get rid of the bus gates. Only way to get more footfall into the centre. Also bring back the new year party.”
Another added: “Clean the buildings up and down the rent for shops”.
Also discussing shopping in the city centre, one reader said: “Fill union street and shopping centres with dcent shopping and leisure facilities.”
Another said: “Need to break the city centre into zones for shopping nightlife, restaurants, offices etc and build business rates which encourages growth in each zone.
“Our transport system must go round the city as well as in and out.
“Needs to develop brownfield sites with homes in the city boundaries, for example site off George Street.
“Assess Aberdeen’s history and celebrate it with more tours for tourists
“Make streets feeding onto Union Street one way and have an approach to traffic management.”
Lastly, one reader wanted additional job options for working mums, saying: “More job opportunities for mums who can only work within school hours. Not everyone is lucky enough to find available childcare or have family and friends they can ask for help during school closures.”
However, one reader simply said: “That people were more positive about Aberdeen and instead of just moaning they actively did something tangible to make it a better place. The city has its issues but we take a lot for granted and it’s still a great city with lots to offer.”