Union Square, Hammerson's latest regeneration project and Aberdeen's largest retail scheme opens to the public yesterday (October 29, 2009).
Thousands of people from across Aberdeen City and Shire have turned out for the launch of the new 65,000-m² (700,000 ft²) retail and leisure destination with over 10,000 heading through the doors in the first hour.
Over 60% of the fashion and lifestyle retailers signed up to the scheme are new to the city with Hollister, LabSport and Spur Steak and Grill opening in Scotland for the first time.
The first retail and leisure development to be delivered for over 20 years in Aberdeen, over three quarters of the income at Union Square is let or in solicitors' hands.
The impressive retail line up includes Bestseller brands Jack & Jones and Vero Moda, Apple and Cult alongside high street favourites including Zara, Next, H&M, New Look and Boots. Marks & Spencer is also to launch its first dedicated home store in Scotland.
The £275 million scheme has a strong leisure element complementing the retail mix including Cineworld, Aberdeen's largest city center cinema and a 203-bed Jurys Inn hotel New restaurant brands to the city include YO! Sushi, ASK Italian, Handmade Burger Company, Nando's and Tinderbox.
Over 1,000 retail and leisure jobs have been created by Union Square and over 15,000 people have registered for employment opportunities through Hammerson's Jobs for U partnership.
David Atkins, Chief Executive of Hammerson commented: "The fact that such a large proportion of retailers opening today are new to both Aberdeen and Scotland demonstrates huge confidence in Union Square. Aberdeen has lacked, until now, new, well proportioned retail space and we are thrilled to be bringing the likes of Hollister, Bestseller, Zara and YO! Sushi to the city.
"It is no longer necessary to travel to Glasgow and Edinburgh for a first class shopping experience. The people of Aberdeen now have access to international brands in a striking new development right on their doorstep."
Source: Hammerson
