The final countdown for city centre businesses to have their say has begun as Aberdeen Inspired’s renewal ballot approaches its conclusion.
The business organisation is urging levy payers to make their voices heard before voting closes at 5pm tomorrow (Thursday, March 17).
The results of the ballot are expected shortly afterwards, with Aberdeen Inspired requiring a majority yes vote to enable it to embark on a further five year term.
A minimum £6.5million would be invested into Aberdeen city centre if the business organisation is successful, with an extensive range of projects and initiatives already planned for the area.
As the end of the renewal ballot draws closer, chief executive of Aberdeen Inspired Gary Craig is urging levy payers to use their vote.
He said: “The past five weeks have been absolutely crucial for us and we want to encourage all of our levy payers to ensure their vote doesn’t go to waste. There is still time to make it count and give their opinion on our future. We hope the result will be positive for us but need local businesses to take the time to vote.
“We are passionate about ensuring a vibrant future for Aberdeen and our team has been working hard to ensure that we are primed for the future if we are successful in gaining another five year term. We are ready to get the ball rolling on a number of projects should we get a majority yes vote - and show our levy payers they have made the right choice.
“I believe Aberdeen Inspired is an effective voice for local businesses and the projects we have planned would all be of huge benefit to those operating in the city centre. I would like to thank everyone that has taken part in the renewal ballot so far. We appreciate your support and hope we are given the opportunity to make a difference to Aberdeen.”
A multi-faceted clean-up campaign, with a particular focus on Union Street, a programme of floral basket enhancements, further creative lighting projects on iconic buildings and structures, street art projects and an extension of its popular ‘Adopt an Area’ programme are all part of Aberdeen Inspired’s plans.
An enhanced Aberdeen Christmas Village, further support behind the city’s renewal of Purple Flag status and a follow-up to its current wayshowing scheme, which would involve suspended signage installed throughout the city centre to identify specific streets and quarters are also dependent on a successful yes vote.
The renewal ballot opened on February 4 and closes on 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