The historic St Nicholas Kirk Colonnade on the city’s Union Street will now be seen in a different light thanks to the latest project by business organisation Aberdeen Inspired.
Following on from the success of its creative lighting project within Golden Square, the organisation has overseen the installation of a series of lights that will illuminate the monument in an effort to highlight it to passers-by.
The project, which has been carried out by Balfour Beatty Engineering Services on behalf of Aberdeen Inspired, aims to boost the area’s appeal to visitors as well as enhancing the city centre’s reputation as a safe and secure destination.
The popularity of its Golden Square project was a key driver behind this latest installation, with the organisation keen to continue pursuing similar projects within the city centre. The Citadel within the Castlegate and the city’s West End are just two of the locations that are being considered for future illumination.
The Colonnade project is a component of an extensive project pipeline after levy payers within the city centre recently voted in favour of Aberdeen Inspired returning for a second five-year term. A clean-up campaign for Union Street, a Play Me, I’m Yours street piano trail and various festival support are all part of the organisation’s plans for the year ahead.
Gary Craig, chief executive of Aberdeen Inspired, said: “The historic Colonnade has been a part of the city centre that has often gone unnoticed but we believe that the introduction of creative lighting on the monument will help it stand out to passers-by. We’re lucky in that our city centre is home to a range of wonderful architecture and anything we can do to highlight these to people visiting Aberdeen and to those who work and live within the city itself is a positive.
“The project was also supported by Andy Forbes of TUV SUD Wallace Whittle, who carried out the consultation work voluntarily in his own time. As well as adding to the aesthetics of the area, creative lighting projects also have an important role to play in showcasing that specific area as a safe place to visit. Our work through the city’s Purple Flag accreditation has found that appropriate lighting is integral to the safety and security of people at night so it is important that we continue adding to the area’s lighting provision.
“The popularity of our creative lighting projects has been fantastic so far and we’re actively encouraging levy payers to come forward with any ideas for future projects. The Citadel and West End are just two locations that have already been mentioned but we’d be delighted to hear any thoughts on potential areas, buildings or landmarks that could benefit from this type of illumination.”
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.
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