Fresh images have emerged, revealing how a dangerous and derelict factory site in Aberdeen could be transformed into a multi-million-pound urban village, complete with 890 homes.
And work on the long-abandoned Broadford Works site could commence as early as 2017.
Aberdeen City Council is currently considering a planning permission in principle application from Ferness Investment Holdings to overhaul the site, and turn it into an urban village which would include hundreds of homes, as well as space for restaurants, bars, nurseries, cafes, an art gallery and offices.
The developers have earmarked space for 345 homes to be available for rent as part of the project – with 207 car parking spaces proposed – and a total of 430 student bedrooms will also be included in the development.
In a statement, the estate agents Ryden, on behalf of Ferness Investment Holdings, spelled out their intentions.
They said: “In order to maintain the city’s unique historic heritage and environment and to improve and stimulate investment in areas that have fallen into neglect, proposals such as this require support.
“Such support has been garnered through positive pre-application discussions with the surrounding community, who expressed overwhelming support for the principle of redevelopment of the Broadford Works [site] and saving it from further decline.
“In order to sustain Aberdeen’s noteworthy economic performance in recent years, proposals such as this require encouragement and backing from both Aberdeen City Council and local decision makers.
“Overall, this development proposal will help create a sustainable mixed community, through the creation of a vibrant residential and mixed use urban community, and through appropriate regeneration of the site to become a distinctive and highly accessible new quarter of the city.”
The Broadford Works site has lain abandoned and unused since the former textile factory closed its doors in 2004.
North-east oil tycoon, Ian Suttie, had received consent to build more than 500 homes and commercial units on the site in a £50 million redevelopment.
But, in the years since Mr Suttie was granted permission, no progress has been made at the premises and it has routinely been targeted by vandals and fire-raisers.
Dating back to 1808, Broadford Works houses the largest collection of at-risk listed buildings in Scotland.
Ramsay Milne, convener of the city’s planning committee, said that a decision on the application would be made in the summer.