Plans to bulldoze a historic Aberdeen mansion to make way for the city’s new exhibition centre have been dealt a blow after heritage chiefs said it may qualify for special status.
It emerged yesterday that Historic Scotland has told the local authority that Strathcona House is of local importance and could meet the criteria for category C listing.
Local MSP Mark McDonald urged planners to treat the building as if it was listed and ensure it is protected.
Completed in 1933 as a hall of residence for the renowned Rowett Institute research centre, the building has been earmarked for demolition as part of plans for a new £333million Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre (AECC).
The city council is currently holding a public consultation on a draft masterplan for the site at Bucksburn.
Historic Scotland had not considered Strathcona House for listing before, but has now produced a report on the importance of the building after a site visit last month.
The report said it was “a relatively rare example of a purpose built hall of residence for its period” and that it was “distinguished because of the quality of its design which references a historicist collegiate style”.
The Scottish Government agency concluded that it was “considered to be of local importance and it may meet the criteria for listing at category C”.
Historic Scotland is not able to list a building while it is subject to a planning application, but it has submitted its assessment to the city council as part of the ongoing consultation.
Mr McDonald, SNP MSP for Aberdeen Donside, said: “Given the evidence presented in Historic Scotland’s response, it is paramount that Aberdeen City Council treats the building as though it were listed.
“It is clear from the response and listing assessment that Historic Scotland would likely list the building if there wasn’t an on-going planning application.
“The future of Strathcona House will now be in the hands of Aberdeen City Council and AECC partners and I hope that changes to the AECC design brief will be reconsidered in light of the overwhelming evidence and public opinion in support of retaining the building.”
An Aberdeen City Council spokesman said the draft AECC masterplan document was currently out for public consultation and people were welcome to submit their views.
The six-week consultation period closes on Wednesday, July 1.