Fears eased over city flats’ heritage status

● Residents reassured on changes P&J panel: What do you think about the decision to list?

History chiefs have said the potential heritage status of “brutalist” blocks of flats in Aberdeen would not prevent residents from making changes to their homes.

Historic Environment Scotland (HES) is considering granting eight Granite City tower blocks category A listed status – the highest possible ranking.

Gilcomstoun Land, Porthill Court, Seamount Court, Marischal Court, Virginia Court, Thistle Court, Hutcheon Court and Greig Court could be poised to take their place among the most valued buildings in the city.

HES staff welcomed residents to a public consultation event at the Catherine Street Community Centre yesterday.

Deputy head of designations, Dawn McDowell, said: “The really special thing about Aberdeen is that there’s more than one building we’re looking to list in the area.

“We value their presence in the city and the environment they create is very aspirational.

“Right now, we are at the point of consulting and we encourage everyone to come forward and tell us their views.”

She added: “There has been an initial reaction that tenants cannot change anything, but this is not a ‘stop the clock’ situation. The building is not frozen in time.

“It’s about looking at the future and long-term planning. Maybe in 10 years we can decide if the buildings would still need to be listed.”

The HES report describes the 1960s-era high-rises as “brutalist multi-storey ‘slab’ blocks of flats”.

Another document by HES also said: “If we decided to list the Aberdeen multi-storey flats, we would focus on how they look from the outside – not the inside of people’s homes.

“There is an assumption that listing will stop repairs and routine maintenance from being carried out.

“There would be no requirement for owners or tenants to seek permission to do general maintenance and like-for-like repairs – say for a new kitchen or bathroom.

“Listing doesn’t mean the flats have to stay as they are forever.”

Councillor Dell Henrickson was present at the consultation.

He added: “I think it’s good there’s consultation going on.

“It gives people who live in the tower blocks a chance to come down and speak to the people who are putting this proposal forward.”

Speaking after the meeting, residents shared their initial thoughts on the proposal.

Anthony Dean, 48, of Seamount Court said: “We have received zero information from the council but, depending on how they go about it, it could be a good thing.

“They have said we won’t see any major changes but that remains to be seen.”

Betty Simpson, 76, of Greig Court, added: “I am quite in favour of the proposal, if the council are still able to do certain jobs such as heating and essential maintenance.”

The next public consultation will be held on Monday November 11, at the city’s Catherine Street Community Centre, from 2-4pm and from 7.30-9pm.

“I can see why they are doing it. I think it is a good idea. “We shouldn’t just save pretty buildings like Marischal College. The high rises are an important part of Aberdeen history. “The only worry I have is that the council might not be able to carry out the important maintenance the building requires.”

David Forbes, 45, of Seamount Court

“These are really iconic buildings in Aberdeen – everyone sees them. I think it would be great to live in one of the buildings with a category A listing. And it gives you the chance to learn more about the social history of where you live.”

Bill Harrison, 59, chemistry lecturer, Dyce and moves to Aberdeen from Ardrossan Park Church in Ayrshire, which was her first full-time post.

She said: “I wasn’t looking for a new charge but felt God’s call specifically to Midstocket and have felt that call affirmed every step of the way.

“I am really excited by the move and, from my first interaction with the nominating committee, we seemed to relate well to each other.”

Ms Webster, who was born in Zambia, moved to Scotland in 1997.

The Rev Dr John Ferguson, clerk to the Presbytery of Aberdeen, said: “The presbytery is delighted to welcome Tanya as the new minister at Midstocket.

“Midstocket is a strong congregation with a fantastic sanctuary and excellent facilities and, with their new minister, they are entering into an exciting new chapter.

“We wish Tanya every blessing in her new ministry.”

HIGH LIFE: The blocks of flats at Virginia Court and Marischal Court are among those being considered for category A listed status