Evening Telegraph (First Edition)
New hotels could bring more than 300 extra jobs
DUNDEE’S burgeoning hotel industry is set to create about 300 additional jobs with the approval of two city developments.
The scheme will see the B-listed Willison House, best known as the former Robertson’s furniture store, demolished and replaced with two separate hotels and a licensed restaurant.
It will be converted into a 115-room, three-star hotel overlooking the Howff cemetery.
Craig Inglis, chief executive of SHG, said the development would provide an economic boost for the city.
He said: “We’re delighted that this exciting new project has been approved.
“It will create up to 300 new jobs and will enhance Dundee’s growing status as a tourism and business destination.
“We have worked with city council planners on our design for the past two years to create a plan that will retain the building’s iconic facade and four levels of the shop’s front.”
A newly-built, 110-room, four-star hotel will also be built in neighbouring Willison Street to meet growing demand for hotel rooms.
The Glasgow-based developer had originally intended to use the site, which has been vacant for six years, to meet demand for student accommodation in the city.
Work is expected to start in July with a provisional completion date of October 2019.
Councillor Lynne Short, city development convener, said: “I am delighted about the council’s decision and delighted this distinctive piece of art deco architecture is going to be maintained.
“The officers and the developers were keen to work together and I understand they are also keen for further work on projects and investing in developments on the Waterfront.”