Multi-million-pound plans to transform a derelict factory site in Aberdeen into an urban village with flats, cafes and shops have been welcomed by councillors.
The Broadford Works site has laid unused since 2004 and has been blighted by fire and vandalism in recent years.
Aberdeen City Council’s pre-application forum met yesterday to discuss new proposals for the former textile factory.
Ferness Investment Holdings submitted a proposal to the local authority in November, outlining plans to create 890 units on the site, including private rented accommodation and student accommodation, together with a creche and nursery, restaurant, cafe and bar facilities.
Of the units, it is estimated about two thirds would be for residential properties with the remaining third for students. However affordable housing was not included in the plans.
Members heard such accommodation was not required in a previous application as the cost of restoring the historic buildings was deemed to outweigh the need for it.
Planning permission in principle would be the next stage and councillors heard there would be a mixture of accommodation and a mixture of price ranges.
During a presentation, members were told the site was “a substantial part of the north of Aberdeen town centre” as well as being “a key landmark” in the city.
The transformation would mean restoring and converting important listed buildings on the site, demolition of various industrial buildings and constructing new builds including about 500 flats.
George Street Community Council had been consulted prior to the meeting and said it did not object to development in principle.
But it did raise some concerns and ideas going forward, including reservations about student accommodation.
Members heard both universities had been contacted as well as student accommodation providers and there was still demand.