An “eyesore” of a city-centre office block which was earmarked for demolition could become part of Aberdeen’s regeneration if plans for hundreds of flats are approved.
Cater Group is drawing up proposals for a 250-flat development at Atholl House, which would also include around 16,150 sq ft for commercial and retail space.
Demolition of the 1970s building was voted through by Aberdeen councillors in 2018 – paving the way for student flats, a hotel and a new public square between Guild Street and Bridge Street.
But the grand plans for the site’s regeneration were abandoned as the effects of the oil and gas downturn took hold.
Now Cater has lodged a proposal of application notice with the council, indicating its intent to lodge plans for a major development on the Guild Street building.
It was once home to oil and gas firms and the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service.
Aurora Planning – headed by Aberdeen City Council’s former planning chief Maggie Bochel – has been hired to consult on the process.
The entire building was listed for lease as recently as last month.
Glen Smith, client executive with Cater Group, said: “It’s great to announce the acquisition of this site and to have finally started the planning process – this site has been on our radar for a long time.
“It’s such a fantastic location in the heart of the city centre.
“This is a milestone for Cater Group, and an exciting opportunity to contribute to the regeneration of Aberdeen city centre.”
In 2018, city planning officials advised the building had “no features of special architectural or historic interest”, branding it “visually discordant” with its surroundings.
“The demolition could therefore be seen to enhance the character of the conservation area,” they briefed.
Councillors, in voting through the plans, branded the existing offices an “ugly eyesore”.
Last night, chief executive of business improvement organisation Aberdeen Inspired, Adrian Watson, “very much welcomed” the prospect, adding: “Residential schemes of this nature form an important strand to the Aberdeen city centre master plan and, if progressed, it will be a positive step as the development proposals and significant investment will regenerate an important part of our city centre.
“City centre living is a key stand to the revitalisation of our city centre, it will help breathe more life into the heart of our city and build on the other recent developments we have seen take root in the city centre.”
The building was swallowed up in a UK-wide property deal, worth £65 million, at the beginning of last year.
CLS Holdings, whose initial sale to a development firm were dashed by the region’s economic downturn, eventually sold Atholl House, and another 18 buildings – to Singaporean investment firm Elite Capital Partners in January 2020.
New owners Cater plan to hold a public consultation on its designs for the site – to be held online this month.
The event is a first chance for the community to give insight into their proposals, but will not be included as representations on any future planning application which follows.
Atholl House does not cover the full footprint of the available site, which may mean a new development covers the nearby railway line approaching Aberdeen station from the north.
The proposed online consultation will include an eight-hour live event and a website with information available for “at least three weeks” before the deadline for comments, an application lodged with the city council said.