The proposal centres on retaining the majority of the existing building (some relatively minor demolition to the central buildings linking the ‘towers’ is proposed), linking living areas with generous internal breakout zones and attractive external social spaces.
Residents will enjoy the use of in-house facilities such as a cinema, gym, library, lounge area and games room. Although the vast majority of students do not operate cars, the scheme will retain and provide onsite parking for any residents and staff that require parking to ensure that there is no impact on surrounding streets. Secure cycle parking facilities will be made available as part of the scheme.
The design proposes to celebrate and intelligently incorporate the original Architecture of the structure by cleaning and restoring the existing concrete frame and making this a key focal point of the design philosophy.
New life will be breathed into the existing facades via a substantial refurbishment utilising high quality full height glazing and contemporary rainscreen panels. Elements of the existing structure with intrinsic value will be retained, creating a sustainable future for the disused former college.
The scheme proposals also include extending the existing top floor, which will provide stunning views across Dundee and beyond, and add to the architectural flair of the façade refurbishment.
The design delivers a modern, clean and crisp scheme that compliments the surrounding area on the edge of Dundee City Centre and offers a unique and high-quality opportunity for students living in the City.
The building will be transformed into a vibrant high-quality development with a mixture of living, communal and study spaces to suit the needs and desires of around 300 students. The building will be actively managed by a substantial and experienced provider of student accommodation. Discussions are at an advanced stage with an operator already based in the city known for producing a high quality product both in terms of design and the management of their facilities.
OUR PROPOSAL
As noted in the Site History section of this website, there have been several attempts to bring the building back into use, most notably in 2015 and 2017 when permission was granted to convert the building into residential apartments. This proved impossible to implement due to a lack of demand, the significant cost of building works and, ultimately, a lack of interest from investors.
The current proposal for the former College will retain the principle of residential use for the building (i.e. as approved in 2015 and 2017), but will focus specifically on student occupation.
The location of the building is ideal for student accommodation given the proximity to the City Centre, as well as both universities. It also provides a significant opportunity for existing houses occupied by students to be returned to the general housing stock available in the City, which would be more appropriate for families and other long term residents.
A formal planning application will be submitted in the Spring of this year, at which point comments can be formally submitted to the planning authority.