Union Street rejuvenation scheme in Aberdeen generates interest

A £2.4m scheme to help restore and enhance buildings in Aberdeen's Union Street is generating "significant interest", the council has said.

The five-year Conservation Area Regeneration Scheme (Cars) is aimed at rejuvenating the main thoroughfare.

It will provide grants to property owners, allowing them to carry out improvement works.

Aberdeen City Council said 12 pre-application forms had already been submitted by property owners.

The scheme was launched last month.

The work can range from shop front improvements to the reinstatement of architectural features.

It has funding support from Historic Environment Scotland and Aberdeen Inspired.

Aberdeen City Council hopes the project will stimulate significant long-term investment in Union Street by paving the way for occupancy of empty commercial units and upper floors.

Last month, BBC research revealed a tenth of Union Street's prime retail space was empty.