Campaigners’ fury over Camperdown office plan

Rent: Council is seeking a tenant to lease historic house for use as offices

Plans to lease one of the Dundee’s most historic buildings as offices have been branded as “ridiculous”.

Dundee City Council is looking for “the right tenant” to take a long-term lease on Camperdown House, which sits in Camperdown Park.

The building, which was completed in 1828, is being marketed for rent as potential offices with 23,500 sq ft of space by Edinburgh firm Cushman and Wakefield.

But campaign group The Friends of Camperdown House has branded the idea of turning the building into offices as “ridiculous”.

The particulars state: “Offers are invited for the long-term lease of Camperdown House and surrounding environs. The length of lease and timing of payments are flexible.

“The property is offered with vacant possession. There remains flexibility to assign the existing partial occupier Camperdown Golf Club for their club house and pro shop.

“It is broadly assumed that Camperdown Golf Club will continue to operate and that the council and club will make suitable arrangements in parallel to accepting any offer. Camperdown Golf Course will be unaffected.”

There have been several attempts to bring the buildings back into use. Most recently, it was used as the location for a vintage tearoom operated in conjunction with students from Dundee and Angus College.

Friends of Camperdown House have lambasted the idea it could be turned into offices.

Chairman Captain James Crawford said: “This is one of the more ridiculous moves by the council to try and market one of their most treasured possessions as office space.

“The Friends of Camperdown House will be very disappointed with this latest move, but not surprised.

“We have always believed it should be developed as a maritime museum showing off the vast collection of Duncan memorabilia that sits underground and out of sight in Edinburgh.”

Labour councillor Richard Mccready said: “I would be very concerned if Camperdown House was to be used as offices. I think that is unacceptable.”

Dundee City Council city development convener Lynne Short said the local authority wants to find the “right tenant” for Camperdown House.

The SNP councillor said: “It would make a great events space or special occasion venue for the right operator.”

smorkis@thecourier.co.uk

Picture: Gareth Jennings. The Friends of Camperdown House say it is a “ridiculous” move by the council.