Block next to Aberdeen Music Hall could be turned into 28 affordable Union Street flats

Aberdeen City Council has formed plans to spruce up 28 water-damaged Union Street flats before leasing them as affordable housing.

The local authority wants to breathe new life into the upper storeys above the Co-op shop next to the Music Hall.

Plans reveal the block has suffered from water ingress in recent years, and roof coverings and windows need to be replaced to “arrest this damage”.

Once shielded from further harm, they can provide “much-needed” affordable housing.

YMCA flattened for brutalist block

The space was formerly occupied by a YMCA building, but it was demolished in 1965 to make way for this block.

The upper two floors were turned into flats in the late 1990s.

Documents drawn up by Mackie Ramsay Taylor architects show how the upgrades will include work to improve energy efficiency.

Hot water tanks and electric radiators are all to be replaced with modern models, and all windows will be triple glazed.

But will anyone want to live there?

That is a question the developers seem to have pre-empted, acknowledging “some concern whether a satisfactory residential environment can be created”.

However, they stress this is a refurbishment to a building that already exists as flats, unlike the nearby Denburn House or Ruby House complexes.

The papers state: “It was converted in the late 1990s and met the standards of the time.”

And while some aspects may not “meet current planning guidance”, efforts are being made to improve each room, enhance safety and create a more spacious feel by making the kitchens and living rooms open plan.

Do you think getting more people to live there will help Aberdeen city centre bounce back? Let us know in our comments section below

Union street flats all part of plans to revitalise Aberdeen

It comes as part of the council’s Aberdeen City Centre Masterplan.

During a summit last year, David Dunne, interim head of planning at Aberdeen City Council, said one of its “central planks” is the focus on city-centre living.

Union Street ‘focus’

He said: “We are never going to be an Edinburgh or Barcelona in terms of tourist draw so we will never be able to rely on the outside footfall to maintain our city centre.

“We will always be reliant on our population and, as such, there has always been an aim to get more people into the city centre to live.

“The focus is now specifically around Union Street and the surrounding streets.”

You can see the plans here.