A former Aberdeen newsagent which has been lying empty for two years could be turned into a café.
Newsbox on Union Street closed in the summer of 2018 – and “no interest” has been lodged from anyone to take over the unit as a shop since.
Developer Halliday Fraser Munro is now asking the city council to allow the space to be used to serve food and drink instead.
While a new occupant is yet to be found, the firm says re-classifying the 1,441sq ft site – which includes a basement – would attract some attention.
In planning documents, the firm stated: “It is considered that the change of use would assist in gaining interest from prospective occupiers and is more likely to bring the unit back to active use than its current designation.”
The empty newsagent is on the corner of Union Street and Crown Street, and has a bookmakers and flats above it.
The unit is B-listed and within a conservation area, meaning further approval may be needed if a new tenant is found and wants to make alterations.
Halliday Fraser Munro said: “It is considered that the proposed use at this location is suitable and would have a positive aesthetic impact, as well as improving the vibrancy and vitality of Union Street and the wider city centre by returning this vacant unit to active use.”
