Plans to illuminate the St Nicholas Kirk Colonnade on Union Street have taken a step forward after the project was granted listed building consent, paving the way for work to begin.
Business organisation Aberdeen Inspired had applied for permission to install a series of lights within the area to shine a spotlight on the historic monument.
With listed building consent now granted by Aberdeen City Council, the organisation has appointed Balfour Beatty Engineering Services to carry out the work which is set to begin this month.
The illumination of the colonnade is the latest in a series of creative lighting projects spearheaded by the organisation, with a similar project within Golden Square being warmly received by the public and neighbouring businesses.
Alongside helping increase the area’s appeal to visitors and tourists, the project is also an integral component of Aberdeen Inspired’s aim to enhance the city centre’s reputation as a safe and secure destination. It recently spearheaded the city’s third Purple Flag award win, with its creative lighting projects praised by assessors.
Gary Craig, chief executive of Aberdeen Inspired, said: “We’re thrilled to have received the required listed building consent which paves the way for the light installation to commence in earnest.
“We want to shine a spotlight on a section of the city centre which is often ignored, helping what is undoubtedly a beautiful part of the city to be noticed by visitors and passers-by. We’ve seen how impactful creative lighting can be to an area with our past project within Golden Square so we’re looking to build on this further with the plans for the colonnade.
“This month already, the popular SPECTRA festival of light has shown how creative lighting can enhance a visitor’s city centre experience and we’re envisaging the colonnade project to be as equally eye-catching. Alongside the aesthetics of the area, creative lighting also has an important role to play in showcasing Union Street as a safe place to visit; added illumination goes a long way to making this happen.
“With our renewal ballot currently underway, these projects are a great example of what Aberdeen Inspired can add to the area and we’d be delighted to hear the thoughts and views of any other business which thinks a similar installation would be of benefit to their own location and surrounding area.”
Aberdeen Inspired is the banner under which the Aberdeen BID (Business Improvement District) operates. It is a business-led initiative within the city centre in which levy payers within the BID zone contribute.
A renewal ballot will open on February 4 and will run until March 17, with levy payers invited to vote on whether the organisation returns for a second five-year term.
Proceeds are used to fund projects designed to improve the business district. Further information on the work of Aberdeen Inspired is available at www.aberdeeninspired.com