Plans to demolish former nightclub withdrawn

AN application to demolish a former Dundee nightclub and put social housing on the site has been withdrawn by developers.

The proposals for the old Oxygen nightclub on Brown Street were first unveiled in December 2022.

A planning application was lodged with Dundee City Council a year later by Edinburgh-based Cullross Ltd.

Under the plans, 63 affordable flats and four workshops would have been built on the site.

But flattening the Brown Street building – a former Territorial Army drill hall which dates from 1909 – drew an objection from Historic Environment Scotland (HES).

The public body argued the building makes a “significant and positive contribution” to the Blackness conservation area.

In its objection to the council, HES said its “eclectic Edwardian design” gave the building a distinctive appearance.

And this, combined with its previous use as a drill hall, meant 60 Brown Street has “social, historic and architectural value”.

It instead called for a “revaluation” of reusing the building for business and said it would be happy to discuss “alternative approaches and any revised schemes” with the council and the developers.

It’s unclear if the withdrawal is related to that objection or if the developers plan to resubmit the application at a later date.

The withdrawn bid had sought permission to build a mix of one, two, and three bedroom flats on the site.

A rooftop terrace and a large courtyard to the rear of the development was also included in the plans.

Before becoming Oxygen nightclub, it was known as Dirty Den’s and before that The Fountain – which was Scottish Disco of the Year in 1984.

When The Fountain opened in November 1983, it was the first club to have a laser light show.

A fire in 1985 completely destroyed the roof.

Representatives of Cullross Ltd could not be reached for comment.