£23k spent running

‘Flagship’ office block still seeking tenants

DUNDEE City Council has spent more than £23,000 maintaining a “flagship” Waterfront office building which is lying empty – despite opening to great fanfare last year.

Figures published by the local authority show the total includes £4,068.36 spent on unexpected repairs to the Earl Grey Building, described in promotional material as “outstanding grade A office space in Scotland’s new capital of cool”.

The building was the first major Waterfront office development completed in May last year, but has yet to attract any tenants.

Brochures claim the building offers “exceptional value” – but to date the council has had to spend £23,382.12 to keep the unoccupied block in shape.

The council has spent £9,500 alone on powering the empty building and £1,550.46 on gas.

Almost £6,800 of costs have been incurred for routine property maintenance fees and £4,000 has been spent on “unplanned” repairs and maintenance.

Both the city council and estate agent Ryden have said for several months that there has been strong interest in the Earl Grey Building.

Council leader John Alexander previously said he hoped to be able to name tenants by the end of 2019, but no announcement has ever been made.

It has been previously suggested that inaction at the Earl Grey has discouraged further investment in the Waterfront.

Details of maintenance costs come just weeks after the 202021 budget was signed off – which includes thousands of pounds of staff cuts.

The City Centre and Harbour Community Council, which welcomed the Waterfront development, has called on the council to step up efforts to attract tenants. Chairman Bill Newcombe, pictured right, said: “We have concern at the situation where buildings and facilities on the Waterfront are provided and then left empty.

“The concern is on several fronts. Having the buildings empty for long periods, in conjunction with the number of empty retail and office premises in Dundee, gives a very negative picture to potential developers.

“It suggests there is no demand in the city. Although we are repeatedly informed by the council that there is plenty of interest, the fact is these places are still empty.

“Then there are the costs that have to be paid to keep buildings empty at a time when finances are extremely tight. As usual, the taxpayer has no voice in this.

“There needs to be more co-ordination from the planning department and consideration given to spending the available funds on buildings and projects that are more economically viable – projects that will rapidly generate returns, presenting a