Developers behind a multi-million pound scheme to transform a 19th Century industrial complex into an urban village have put forward new plans to carry out the work in phases.
Inhabit Development and Axiom Project Services are seeking to turn the Broadford Works site in Aberdeen, once home to the largest collection of A-listed buildings in Scotland, into homes, student accommodation, shops and office spaces.
The expansive site was once one of the biggest employers in the Granite City, providing jobs to thousands in textiles factories and more, but it has lain empty since 2004, and fallen into a state of severe disrepair.
In 2016 the developers were granted planning permission in principal for the redevelopment project and last year further applications were approved to carry out demolition work on key parts of the site, including the partial demolition of the historic Gray Mill.
Further information from the developers has been scarce since last September, but they have now submitted a new planning application to allow for a potential phased approach for the ambitious project.
Local politicians have welcomed the step forward.
Aberdeen Central MSP Kevin Stewart said: “A lot of people in the local area were starting to worry that the work in Broadford Works was going to be another false dawn for the site.
“I think the fact that plans for Broadford Works are still moving forward will be welcomed because nobody wants this site to go back to what it was a few years ago, with fires breaking out every week.”
Ryan Houghton, councillor for George Street and Harbour, added: “While every planning application must be judged on its own merits when submitted, I think that residents in the area have long felt this site has become an eyesore.
“We have had people breaking into the site and causing vandalism, which is incredibly dangerous, especially for young people.
“For years and years we kept hearing about proposals, so if this one is indeed serious and satisfies all the necessary requirements, it can only be a good thing.
“It’s great to see that progress seems to still be moving forwards.”
A spokesman for the developers declined to comment.
