Landlords and tenants managing larger or long-term vacant commercial premises on Union Street can now access a higher tier of financial support, with grants reaching up to £70,000 via the Union Street Empty Shops Grant Scheme.

Aberdeen City Council Co-leader, Councillor Ian Yuill, said: "The empty shops scheme has been an asset in attracting businesses to our city centre. The increased funding to help businesses reoccupy empty units is very welcome."

Councillor Alex McLellan, Convener of the Finance and Resources Committee, added: "I would like to encourage any interested businesses to consider this scheme to see how it can benefit their presence in the city centre. We are committed to investing in Union Street, and our wider city centre, for the benefit of all our citizens."

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An extra investment of £500,000 has been injected into the initial £1 million fund. This boost facilitates the enhanced payouts, which are specifically designed to bring substantial and long-term empty properties back into active city-centre use.

Originally introduced in 2023, the Union Street Empty Shops Grant Scheme provides funding for up to 50% of project expenses. These awards cover eligible internal modifications to vacant storefronts, assisting incoming business owners and tenants with their initial setup.

The primary goals of the initiative focus on:

• Reducing vacant shops on Union Street by supporting works needed to set up spaces for new uses. This can include retail, cultural, hospitality, or office space

• Leveraging private investment in vacant shops on Union Street to bring them back into use

• Supporting new business start-ups and entrepreneurs on Union Street, and create new employment opportunities

The newly introduced enhanced grant operates as a pilot scheme for 2026/27. It targets properties exceeding 3,000 sq ft or those that have remained empty for more than three years, provided that applicants can demonstrate elevated renovation costs and alignment with the overarching strategy of the scheme.

Prospective candidates can download the necessary application forms. Those seeking the expanded funding tier are required to fulfill all standard scheme criteria and complete the established application procedure.