Student accommodation bid for art deco building

CAMPAIGNERS battling to protect a historic Dundee art deco building have suffered a setback after it was revealed an external bidder has tabled an offer to buy the site.

A campaign led by Phil Doig to stop the potential demolition of 56 Barrack Street attracted almost 800 signatures.

The building was home to former furniture store Robertson’s for almost 130 years until the firm’s demise in 2011.

It is now believed that plans have been lodged with Dundee City Council to convert the building into student accommodation.

Mr Doig had formed a committee to consider a community buy-out of the building and was in discussion with several local artists over the possibility of turning the site into, among other things, an art studio.

Students and architects joined in with the effort and identified the building as “a site of historical importance, prime for other use”.

However, after discussions were held between campaigners and the building’s owner, it has emerged an external offer has been made.

Mr Doig said: “It would appear the building is under offer and has been for some time.

“A planning application has been submitted and our access request has been declined. I think at times over the last few months we have been misled.”

Building owner John Bennett, of Albert Square chartered surveyors J&E Shepherd, had been keen to speak to the campaign group to see what alternative proposals could be tabled.