In an innovative move to revitalize Union Street, Aberdeen, the campaign group Our Union Street is leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) to entice traders by showcasing the potential transformation of vacant shops. This strategy is part of a broader effort to invigorate business in Aberdeen’s Granite Mile, addressing the challenge of attracting new businesses to the area.
A Strategic Use of AI Technology
The use of AI-generated images to reimagine empty retail spaces marks a significant shift in tactics for urban redevelopment. Spearheaded by Our Union Street leaders Bob Keiller and Derrick Thomson, the initiative seeks to fill approximately 10 more units by the end of next year. The group believes that by demonstrating how derelict properties can be transformed into vibrant businesses, they can more effectively persuade potential tenants to commit to Union Street.
AI technology allows for rapid visualization of future businesses in the current vacant spaces. Whether a prospective tenant is considering opening a bike shop, bakery, or restaurant, AI-generated images can provide a compelling glimpse into what each space could become in just a few hours. This approach not only saves time but also significantly reduces the costs associated with traditional methods of property visualization, which can be both time-consuming and expensive.
The Impact on Union Street’s Revival Efforts
The introduction of AI imagery has already made a notable difference in the campaign to rejuvenate Union Street. Over the past year, Our Union Street has successfully reduced the number of unused properties from 53 to 25. This progress is attributed to the group’s persistent efforts to attract new businesses and the innovative use of technology to showcase the potential of vacant units.
The collaboration with architecture graduates from Robert Gordon University has been instrumental in generating these AI images. Their expertise and access to cutting-edge technology have enabled the creation of dozens of visualizations, which are shared on the Our Union Street website to spark interest among potential tenants.
This strategy has reportedly saved the campaign approximately £60,000, funds that can be redirected towards further revitalization efforts. With the ground-level units gaining traction, Our Union Street plans to extend its focus to the upper stories of Union Street buildings, aiming for a comprehensive enhancement of the area.
Challenges and Solutions
One of the major hurdles in the campaign to populate Union Street with thriving businesses is the initial state of the vacant units. Many of these spaces are in poor condition, making it difficult for potential tenants to envision their business operating there. Traditional methods of property visualization, including sketching, modeling, and Photoshop, although effective, are not only costly but also time-consuming, often taking days to produce a single image.
The adoption of AI technology offers a solution to these challenges. By providing quick and cost-effective visualizations, Our Union Street can overcome the reluctance of potential tenants to invest in these spaces. This approach allows for a diverse range of business concepts to be explored and presented in a visually appealing manner, making it easier for entrepreneurs to see the potential in Union Street’s vacant units.
The initiative by Our Union Street to use AI-generated images for the revival of Union Street is a testament to the innovative approaches being adopted in urban redevelopment. This strategy not only demonstrates the potential of technology in transforming real estate marketing but also highlights the importance of community-led efforts in revitalizing urban areas. As Aberdeen’s Granite Mile begins to attract more businesses, the hope is that this will spur further investment and renewal, breathing new life into the historic heart of the city.
Through the strategic use of AI imagery, Our Union Street is setting a precedent for urban regeneration efforts worldwide, showcasing how technology and community collaboration can work hand in hand to achieve significant improvements in urban landscapes.
