Aberdeen City Council is to trial free weekend parking among a number of other schemes aimed at increasing footfall into the city centre.
The Vibrant & Sustainable City Centre Pilot comes after a survey carried out by property consultancy FG Burnett revealed shop occupancy figures on Union Street had improved to pre-pandemic levels.
The project, which is supported by £100,000 from the local authority, includes free parking on Frederick Street and the Denburn Multi Storey on weekends over a four-week period, as well as a support package to increase business resilience in the city centre.
"Much more still needs to be done," admitted council co-leader Ian Yuill in reference to Union Street, although he said it was "great" to see occupancy levels up.
He added: "The Council is committed to working with city centre businesses and others to drive up occupancy levels on Union Street and make our city centre an even better place to visit, work, shop, live , invest and do business."
Business leaders from across the region have also welcomed the investment.
Bob Keiller, who leads Our Union Street which has played a central role in attracting new businesses on to the Granite Mile, said: "We welcome these projects and any others that encourage people to engage with our city and spend time in the city centre. We look forward to supporting the City Council in these and many other future projects."
Meanwhile, an Aberdeen Inspired spokesperson said: "Aberdeen Inspired, as the city centre Business Improvement District, welcomes any and all initiatives that aim to increase footfall and boost businesses in the heart of the Granite City and help in the much-needed regeneration of our city centre."
The pilot project will also bring an increased events programme to the city with the addition of a two week Lego event in October staged city-wide.
A business toolkit will develop resources and deliver training to local businesses with the intention of creating a more resilient High Street.