Plans for apartments

Proposals to transform vacant offices in the city

VACANT offices in Dundee’s city centre could be transformed into serviced apartments.

The property, at 39 Murraygate, is subject to a planning application to develop the top floors of the building.

Architect Jon Frullani, of his own firm, said the planning application shows a confidence in the future of the city. He said: “This plan is all about investment in Dundee.

“It shows the confidence of my client in the city, Aimwood Property, that they want to piggyback on the positivity of the Waterfront project.

“They are confident that the future of Dundee is good and want to get involved now.

“There aren’t many serviced apartments in the city centre and certainly none in such a main location.

“It couldn’t be a more ideal spot for this sort of business — round the corner from the Waterfront and its attractions but next door to shops.

“It offers a spot for all kinds of visitors to the city.”

The application requests a change of use of the Grade B listed building from vacant offices to six one-bedroom serviced apartments. The ground floor is a Ladbrokes and there are no current plans for the company to move out, according to Mr Frullani.

He said: “There are offices above at the moment.

“My clients have just bought the building and have a vision.

“The new owners think serviced apartments are a much better use of this impressive building.

“It stands out in the Murraygate and is one of the more noticeable. This is a plan for its long-term future.”

Jon said if planners approve the application it is hoped work will start as soon as possible next year.

He said: “They would hope to be opening up by the end of next year, winter 2017.

“The plan would be to get open before the new V&A and the Waterfront is finished to give the company some time to get a foothold in the area.

“It’s a great project and a positive step for the city.”

The top floor of the Murraygate building could become apartments.