We look at some of the most recent ideas for units on the Granite Mile in an effort to revitalize Aberdeen’s city center.

This year could be a watershed moment for Aberdeen’s Union Street, as long-awaited repairs come to a conclusion.

The Granite Mile’s 200-year history has never seen a more extensive renovation.

Finally, it has been designed to attract more people to the city centre.

But what would the street look like once the renovation is completed?

Will there be a few more busy companies along the street by then?

We’ve compiled a list of eight recent designs submitted to Aberdeen City Council that explain possibilities for some of Union Street’s vacant units.

1. Codona’s moving ahead with 24/7 bingo parlour

We begin near the foot of the Granite Mile, where work is underway to transform an old bookies into a new 24-hour bingo parlor.

John Codona, the Carnival monarch, is behind the new endeavor, giving the coastal funfair a central presence year-round, not only at Christmas with the traditional Broad Street entertainment.

The council approved the ideas, and Mr Codona recently met with licensing chiefs to ensure his day-long opening hours.

Lawyer Stephen McGowan described the applicant as “a safe pair of hands” for running the business.

The bingo would be broadcast live to the venue, which had a capacity of approximately 12 people.

Councillors questioned why a 24-hour licence was required.

They were informed that it was due to “demand from shift workers and trade staff”.

It will be known as Mr C’s while work is done to convert the former bookies at 53 Union Street into the parlour.

2. New Cash Converters plan for old tourist information

A little distance away, plans are underway to rehabilitate the mothballed old tourist information center on the corner of Shiprow.

It closed almost a year ago.

Cash Converters now intends to open it as a store for selling used products.

It would compete with the similar CEX, which operates across from 23 Union Street.

The plans have yet to be authorized by the Council.

3. Beauty salon to open up on Union Street

Meanwhile, a renovation is underway for 130 Union Street.

In October’s Planning Ahead round-up, we discussed strategies to revitalize the vacant former McColls shop near Belmont Street.

Martin Leo of Dream Bliss Ltd wishes to convert the space into a beauty salon named as Fairy Beauty.

Since then, planning chiefs have approved the modification.

The council has approved separate proposals for new signage at the location.

4. What’s the latest with Wendy’s plans?

Many of you might recall American chain Wendy’s unveiling plans to open on the Granite Mile.

They unveiled £450,000 proposals for the old JD Sport location at 107-109 Union Street about a year ago.

Most likely, you’ve observed that it’s not yet there. So, what’s the holdup?

Acoustics experts finally argued that the proposals would be legally compliant in terms of safeguarding neighbours from undesired side effects.

But in December, council environmental health officials requested further information on the plans, so they are still in limbo.

5. Bakery plans for another empty unit

Planning officials have approved plans to open a new bakery at 252A Union Street.

The location is on the ground floor of the Amicable House office tower, in a space previously used as a pop-up art gallery.

There would be enough for eight clients to sit inside, with display fridges at the front.

The basement would be transformed into a kitchen, complete with a worktable and storage space.

Chanchal Rathi of Bakebond Ltd is the driving force behind the plan.

6. New lease of life for nightclub

The defunct Electric Fizz nightclub at 150 Union Street may have a fresh lease on life.

The Press & Journal recently reported on intentions to relaunch the facility as Allegro, a café bar.

Mr Abi Williams of Fusion Hub Group Ltd is requesting permission to renovate the Union Street venue.

Mr Williams owns Tasty T West African restaurant on Correction Wynd, according per Companies House records.

These plans have yet to be authorized.

7. Budz Bar revamp on track as new plans gain support

At the further end of the Granite Mile, plans to transform the derelict Budz Bar building into a significant attraction are taking shape.

Number 419 is one of the longest empty flats on the street.

Project managers eventually plan to build a multi-floor recreational destination.

It would have two floors of ultramodern crazy golf, a new cocktail bar in the place of the former noughties hotspot Budz Bar, and a restaurant.

The initiative has been praised for revitalizing the faltering Granite Mile.In addition to protecting the fragile structure from destruction.

The ideas had encountered a few hurdles, forcing developers to go back to the drawing board to ensure their designs would blend in with the traditional neighborhood.

In May, revised ideas were submitted, with strong hopes for approval.

Objectors who formerly opposed the plan have since come to support it. The project is currently seeking approval from planning officials.

---

What else do you think Union Street needs? Let us know in our comments section below

---

8. Champagne shop to open at former Hydro store

156 Union Street is set to reopen as a shop offering high-end imported drinks.

It follows the owner’s efforts to restore the frontage’s historic appearance.

Ulkar Bruce’s Asma Group has been granted permission to operate it as “a delicatessen and boutique store stocked predominantly with imported goods”.

It will sell “high-end wines and champagnes from around the world”.

Read more on Straightwinfortoday.com