Concerns have arisen for Cheerz customers in Aberdeen due to the closure of Hadden Street, forcing them to navigate a dark alley to reach the pub. The closure is a result of the construction of a new food and drink market in the area, a project that is expected to last for years and cost £40 million. While the council has promised to look into ways to minimize the impact on businesses on The Green, they have also warned that “there will be pain” as a consequence of the construction.
Business owners on The Green recently met with council officers and Morrison Construction to express their concerns about the closure of Hadden Street. Among those in attendance were George Mackenzie from Cheerz Bar, Alisha Bhatti from Best One 24-hour store, and Suzanne Nicholl from Spirit Level. The closure of Hadden Street will require construction hoarding to be pushed up against the pavement, creating a challenging environment for businesses and customers alike.
The closure of Hadden Street is expected to take place within the next week, with construction hoarding being pushed against the pavement on October 7. This closure has already led traders to reduce their opening hours in anticipation of a decrease in foot traffic and sales. During a meeting with council officials, business owners expressed their concerns about the impact the closure will have on their operations, with many fearing significant financial losses.
One of the major concerns raised by business owners is the safety of customers who will now have to navigate a narrow footpath to reach Cheerz. George Mackenzie, operations manager at Cheerz Bar, highlighted instances where customers had to receive First Aid and deal with anti-social behavior in the area. He expressed concerns that the footpath will become a dangerous place, especially for vulnerable individuals who have to pass through it to reach the pub.
SNP MP Kirsty Blackman also raised concerns about the safety of customers, particularly those from the LGBTQ+ community. She worried that the dark and dingy alley leading to Cheerz could deter people from visiting the establishment due to fears of harassment or abuse. George Mackenzie shared his worries about the potential drop in trade and the financial impact it could have on Cheerz, leading to additional costs for security and changes to the building.
Council masterplan manager Sandy Beattie acknowledged the concerns raised by business owners and offered reassurances that discussions would be held regarding additional lighting and CCTV in the alley. He also mentioned potential talks about rates relief to support businesses during the construction period. However, he emphasized that there would be challenges and difficulties to manage during the construction of the new food and drink market.
Despite the concerns raised by business owners, construction bosses explained that the closure of Hadden Street was necessary for pedestrian safety, given the size of the machinery involved in the project. Council officials and construction teams are working to address the issues raised by businesses on The Green and minimize the impact of the construction on local establishments. However, the road closures and construction activities are expected to cause disruptions and challenges for businesses and customers in the area.
In conclusion, the closure of Hadden Street poses significant challenges for businesses on The Green, particularly for establishments like Cheerz Bar. As construction of the new food and drink market progresses, business owners are facing financial losses, safety concerns, and operational difficulties. The council and construction teams are working to address these issues and support businesses during this challenging period. However, it is clear that there will be pain and challenges to overcome as the construction project continues in Aberdeen.