Plans to turn grotty offices into plush pads could boost Aberdeen’s Union Street

There are plans to bring the upper floors on the corner of Union Street and Belmont Street back into use.

By Denny Andonova

May 16 2024, 12:02 pm

The floors above the new Tag Heuer store could be converted into modern homes. Image: Denny Andonova/DC Thomson.

A derelict four-storey building could be turned into flats amid efforts to rejuvenate the upper floors of Aberdeen’s Granite Mile.

There are plans to breathe new life into the abandoned offices above the new Tag Heuer store on the corner of Union Street and Belmont Street.

Developers hail the “advantageous” spot, with bars, cafes and specialist shops nearby.

The building on the corner of Union Street and Belmont Street recently became home to the luxury watch store Tag Heuer. Image: Tinto Architecture/Supplied.

The proposals come as city chiefs move forward with plans to spruce up grubby buildings lining Union Street, and bring vacant upper floors back into use to boost footfall.

What’s happened with the building?

Images show the abandoned premises are not looking their best at the minute.

The ceilings and walls are plagued by flaky paint, with furniture scattered across the rooms.

How the upper floors of the building on 130 Union Street look now. Image: Tinto Architecture/Supplied.

Designed by Archibald Simpson, the granite C-listed building was rebuilt in 1826 following a fire.

It has been used primarily as offices over the years.

The upper floors were made available for sale or rent about a year ago.

New homes will make ‘positive change’ in Aberdeen city centre

Designs shared by the developers’ architect – Tinto Architecture – show how the dilapidated floors could be transformed into four modern apartments.

Planning papers say bringing the building back into a “productive use” will boost city centre regeneration efforts.

They add: “By transforming this vacant office building, this contributes to revitalising the city centre.

“The city centre masterplan outlines one of its objectives as ‘A living city for everyone’ where the demand for city centre housing is on the rise.

“And widening the choice of housing will allow more diverse population to enjoy an urban lifestyle.”

The entrance to the residential units will also be revamped. Image: Tinto Architecture/Supplied.

What exactly are the plans?

Each floor of the new development will be turned into contemporary three-bedroom apartments, with an open-plan dining/kitchen area.

Artist impression of how the new flats on 130 Union Street could look like. Image: Tinto Architecture.

Meanwhile, the attic will become an extra two-bedroom home.

There will be some changes to the roof to allow more natural light, however, the overall traditional aesthetics of the granite building will be preserved.