Feature lighting could be brought to a busy Aberdeen street in an effort to make it safer and more attractive.
Council officers will this week meet members of Aberdeen Inspired and the Greater George Street Traders’ Association about plans for George Street.
Aberdeen Inspired’s city centre manager, Geoff Cooper said: “There’s a possibility of bringing in more street and feature lighting, we’d use the feature lighting to really enhance the area.
“It would be used for the Christmas period and darker months.
“It’s about making it more interesting, appealing and feel safer.”
Representatives on the Greater George Street Traders’ Association, formed in January, highlighted the need for better lighting at their first meeting.
The Evening Express previously revealed the group had agreed to turn the area into an artisan quarter.
Mr Cooper and the association have highlighted a number of developments which they said are creating opportunities for the area to rebrand itself.
These include plans for the Bon Accord Centre, Broadford Works, a new Sandman hotel on St Andrew Street and work done to the North East Scotland College.
Mr Cooper said: “If you want someone who is a specialist – watch repairs, a bakery or experts from a family run business – they want people to go to them.
“Businesses in the association see their future as an artisan quarter.
“I don’t think there’s a better chance than now.”
The traders’ association was created to drive improvements and raise its profile as a destination.
An area including George Street from John Lewis to Craigie Street, and John Street from Woolmanhill to the North East of Scotland College is under its banner.
Mr Cooper believes a variety of independent businesses and relatively-low rent play in its favour to achieving its plans
Chairman of the association is Stuart Milne, who is also general manager of family-run business Finnies the Jewellers, which is celebrating its 60th anniversary this year. He said: “There’s a lot of investment being made in the area which is going to bring a lot of inner-city living and footfall.
“There’s a lot of money and improvements being put it and the rest of the street needs to do so too, we have to take advantage of this situation.
“We’re trying to give the area some sort of label and give it something to relate to.
“It’s about trying to encourage new businesses into the George Street area, but there’s already a great diversity of businesses and skills.”
For him, the addition of more lighting to the area plays a part in making it feel safer.
He added: “A number of concerns have been expressed that the standard of street lighting is worryingly inadequate.
“Older traders are worried about walking the streets after dark.
“At the same time we want to improve lighting to go up during the winter months.”
The association is also working with students at North East Scotland College, who have started a project to help improve the area.
They will photographing George Street and talking to business owners about what they think needs to be done to help with its rebrand.
Councillor for the area Michael Hutchison said: “It’s good to see businesses in the area group together and try to improve it.
“I’m sure this will have an impact in making it a better place to live and work.
“I’m very supportive and will do what I can to help.”