Plans to turn historic Bank of Scotland building into Union Street kebab restaurant

Developers have lodged plans to take over the prominent Aberdeen city centre site.

By Ben Hendry

August 8 2024, 3:16 pm

A former Union Street bank could see the street's latest additon in the form of a kebab shop. Image: Ben Hendry/DC Thomson

The closed Bank of Scotland branch on Aberdeen’s Union Street could be brought back to life as a new kebab restaurant.

Known as Canada House, the 201 Union Street premises dates back to the late 1800s when it was built for the North of Scotland Canadian Mortgage Company.

The Bank of Scotland confirmed its closure in 2022, and it has lain empty for about two years.

The Union Street bank building. Image: Ben Hendry/DC Thomson

It has a sculpture of a Native American wearing a headdress over the door. Image: Ben Hendry/DC Thomson

What are the plans for the former bank?

Now, applicant Sanaland Ltd is seeking permission to bring it back to life after it was put up for sale.

The real estate firm has lodged blueprints with Aberdeen City Council showing how the B-listed bank could be converted into a restaurant.

The ATMs were removed in October 2022. Image: Ben Hendry/DC Thomson

These design drawings show a seating area with space for 70 customers would be created in the old bank.

Kebabs would be prepared in a corner of the room, next to a charcoal grill, with a salad bar in front.

There would also be a bar on the ground floor, with beer storage space in the basement indicating it could also serve up alcohol.

The floor plan of the venue. Image: Squire Architects

Meanwhile, vaults in the lower level would become walk in fridges and freezers, and a dry store.

‘Proposals would not harm the building’

Architects working for the applicant add: “The building’s elevations to both Union Street and Crown Street have an exceptional level of granite detailing and contribute greatly to the architectural heritage of Union Street.

“The proposals would not impact adversely on the building.”