A community group still has “high hopes” it can breathe new life into an historic Aberdeen landmark.
Tillydrone Development Trust had hoped the derelict Wallace Tower would be reopened this year to mark 50 years since it was moved to Tillydrone Road from St Nicholas Road.
Back in February, plans were approved to turn the 17th-century building into a community facility – with a cafe, community hub and office space – which would cost about £500,000.
But progress has been “slower than expected” in the months since.
The trust is currently working with Granite City-based accountants Hall Morrice to come up with a business plan for the site.
Trust chairman and councillor for the area, Ross Grant, says the group are committed to salvaging the building.
He said: “We will be spending the next few months working up the business plan which will help us to secure funding.
“The plan will also take into account the wider space surrounding the tower.
“We have been in discussions with a number of partners about how the building could be used – we would be keen to work with local groups to make sure it’s a facility that would be open to all.”
Mr Grant identified Aberdeen University as one of the organisations the group would potentially like to bring on board.
He added: “We have still got high hopes for the building, we have decided to take the time to make sure we are going about the process in the right way.
“Ultimately, the most important thing is to make sure the building is restored and open to the public.”
The tower was built in the early part of the 17th century as a residency for Sir Robert Keith of Benholm.
In 1964, the building was transferred brick-by-brick from its original city-centre location to its current site to make way for a Marks and Spencer store.
Earlier this year, police were forced to step up patrols at the site after a series of attempted break-ins.