A new hotel and retail development proposal on Aberdeen’s Union Street has received planning permission from Aberdeen City Council.
The six-storey redevelopment of the former Esslemont and Macintosh department store buildings, which is being designed by architects Holmes for C&L Properties, will include a 100-bed hotel with retail facilities at street level. A new glazed link will connect the existing two listed buildings, forming a complex with two facades; featuring a traditional one which addresses Union Street and a contemporary facade addressing Broad Street.
The solid appearance and intricacy of the older buildings will be counter-balanced by the light and open feeling of the new interventions. The design approach to the contemporary elements of the Broad Street elevation include: part layered, multi-dimensional glass rooftop extension; part traditional stone façade; and part street-level transparent two-storey entrance to the hotel and shops. In uniting the building’s new and old architectural elements it is hoped that this will re-energise and re-invent this part of the city’s centre.
Sandy McMillan of Holmes, said: "This is a tremendously exciting project to be part of. The new development will breathe life back into this landmark corner location of Aberdeen, using a blend of exciting contemporary design with sensitively retained and restored elements of the existing historic buildings".
Charlie Ferrari, of the developers C & L Group said: "Given Aberdeen's importance as the oil capital of Europe, we feel this development will help stimulate the central zone of the city, particularly at the east end of Union Street. "We have been encouraged that, despite the current economic climate, there is clear support for our proposals”.
Images: Holmes
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