A former music shop and centre of Aberdeen’s cultural scene could be transformed into a takeaway.
Plans have been submitted to convert 17 Belmont Street from a shop to a hot food restaurant selling items with a little Gallic flair.
In 2013, the council made use of the empty property as a base for its ill-fated UK City Of Culture bid.
For the three decades prior to that, the building had been home to the One Up record store.
The independent music shop fell victim to the changing fortunes of the high street after 34 years, despite being a favourite of famous musicians and bands including Noel Gallagher, Biffy Clyro and Stereophonics.
Now, Brighter North Recruitment has commissioned architects to oversee the transformation of the building once again, this time into a French food takeaway.
Albyn Architects has lodged proposals to change the use of the ground floor of the council-owned building on the firm’s behalf.
The front part of the ground floor would be converted into a takeaway, while the existing lay-out would be retained through the back of the property and in the basement.
Albyn Architects said the prospective occupant would look to sell “French-style” fare, including crepes, croque monsieur, breakfast and burgers.
The firm claims the proposals would boost employment in the city centre in the face of economic turmoil in the hospitality trade.
And they have urged the council to show its support for independent businesses trying to “positively contribute” to the area.
In a statement submitted alongside designs, the architects said: “Despite the recent economic downturn, which has introduced a lot of uncertainty in the hospitality industry, the applicants are committed to investing and growing a business in a way that positively contributes to the area and, if successful, would lead to employment within the local community.
“We hope this application is well received and can proceed with a positive recommendation and support for independent local traders.”
Independent business One Up called time on its struggle to maintain trade in January 2013.
The City Of Culture team was moved into the building, which became known as 17, to work on efforts to secure the prestigious title.
But Aberdeen’s bid was short-lived, failing to make the shortlist for the 2017 award which eventually was given to Hull.
City of Culture judges felt Aberdeen’s artistic and cultural expertise was “limited” and its bid lacked a “coherent vision”.
Panelists also found a lack of passion in the bid and no compelling case that Aberdeen could deliver.
Their feedback was described as a “reality check” by leading councillors who had overseen the bid.
During the campaign to have Aberdeen named the UK’s leading cultural light, a number of exhibitions were held at 17, making the most of the large glass shop frontage and basement space.
After the setback, the property was retained as a space for artists, becoming a digital fabrication studio.
Make Aberdeen took on the pace to provide open access to tools and training with equipment including 3D printers and scanners, vinyl cutting and digital embroidery.
Popular Indian restaurant Shri Bheema’s occupies two upper floors of the same building but the ground floor has lain empty since Make vacated in early 2018.
