Aberdeen's Union Street and city centre are in the running to host 200 civil service jobs which are being relocated from London.

The Granite City will soon become home to the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero under plans to spread Westminster's civil service throughout the UK.

Following the announcement last month, Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce and Our Union Street approached ministers and urged them to consider supporting efforts to rejuvenate the city centre.

Graham Stuart MP, the Minister for Energy Security and Net Zero, has now responded, confirming that the Our Union Street initiative will be "factored into its planning".

He said: "The Government Property Agency has already started its assessment and planning regarding optimising the government estate needs in the city. I will ensure it is aware of the Our Union Street initiative so this can be factored into its planning."

He added: "The government is proud of its association and presence in Aberdeen, it being our longest-standing office location outside of London, through the connection with North Sea oil and its ancillary industries and businesses.

"It is entirely fitting that we establish one of our headquarter locations in Aberdeen which will strengthen this successful relationship."

The government confirmed the relocation in December on the back of a sustained campaign by the Chamber following the creation of the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero almost a year ago.

Ryan Crighton, Policy Director at Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce, said: “We have been pressing the Prime Minister, the Chancellor and the UK Government to locate more civil service jobs in Aberdeen, so this is fantastic news for the region.

"It makes complete sense for energy civil servants to be located in the North-east - and they can deliver a double boost to the region by locating these jobs in the city centre, offering much-needed daily footfall to support the regeneration of Union Street.

"We welcome the minister's commitment to factoring Union Street into their plans and will be working with them to move this forward in the coming weeks and months."

The Our Union Street partnership has brought together Aberdeen City Council, the Aberdeen Inspired Business Improvement District, Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce, plus a number of others, including the region’s economic development group, local companies and, most importantly, the public.

More than 10,000 ideas to regenerate the street have been put forward by the public and this newly-ignited civic pride – alongside a rates revaluation which has reduced business rates for vast swathes of our city centre – has given a great opportunity to line the famous street with shops, offices and vibrancy once more.

KeyFacts Energy news: Aberdeen Focus