Union Square in Aberdeen, designed by BDP, has been voted Shopping Location of the Year at the Retail Week Awards 2010 announced at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London.

This award seeks out which new retail development is regarded, by the judging panel of leading retailers, as the one that delivers the most customers, the best service from landlords and the most innovative approach to design, property management and tenant mix.

Union Square in Aberdeen opened its doors to the public in October 2009. The scheme is a mixed use retail-led city centre development by Hammerson and represents the first significant new retail offer in Aberdeen in over 20 years. The enthusiasm of the Aberdeen public was unbounded and more than 60,000 people ventured through the doors on the opening day.

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BDP director and head of the Glasgow studio Sandy Fergusson said: "We are delighted to have played our part in realising not just a first class shopping destination but a significant insertion into the urban fabric of one of our major cities. Delivering a new ‘place’ in the centre of Aberdeen has been the result of long term commitment by BDP supporting the drive of our client Hammerson through challenging times."

The 49,000 m2 scheme extends and links to the existing city retail core and encompasses the former rail goods yard site, including the redevelopment of Aberdeen rail station and a new bus station. The centre has attracted new retailers and restaurant brands to the city, and provides a leisure element including a ten-screen cinema and a 203-bed hotel.

(GK/BMcC)