New offices could emerge out of west end disco inferno

Plans to resurrect a fire-hit nightclub in Aberdeen’s west end are back on the table more than a year after they were refused by the council.

The former Dizzy’s restaurant and bar was left in ruins after a blaze ripped through the Victorian granite building on 70 Carden Place in December 2019.

The site has lain derelict ever since, with owners Quantum Claims hoping to restore it.

But initial proposals lodged with the council in 2022 – which also included erecting a new rear extension to serve as modern offices for the law firm – were thrown out.

While councillors were in favour of the revamp, the proposed three-storey glass structure raised concerns.

It was said the Dizzy’s office extension “would have an overly dominant impact on the reconstructed villa and the surrounding conservation area”.

And with a firm “no” to the plans, Fitzgerald architects was sent back to the drawing board.

Now, it has taken the project down a notch in the hope of getting it across the line.

The rear extension is still featured in the plans but on a smaller scale to better comply with the “character and appearance of the conservation area”.

Previously proposed as a three-storey structure, architects have now lowered the flat-roofed office accommodation by one floor.

They say this would ensure the skyline of the area is not ruined and also preserve the prominence of the area’s tower and spires.

The glass extension has also been reduced in width, with more soft landscape planned for the site.

Meanwhile, what’s left of the villa’s historical facades would be reconstructed and the place redecorated.

And it would still be made out of granite to “celebrate the heritage of Aberdeen”.

Fresh documents say: “The rebuild and restoration of the Victorian villa will return it to its original grandeur, using materials to match those which previously existed.

“The rear extension, with its significantly reduced scale, will provide a highquality modern contemporary lightweight building in a subordinate role to the main villa.”

Architects add the building would be used exclusively for office purposes. They say there has been higher demand for such accommodation in the west end in recent years.

RAISING THE ROOF: New plans have been lodged for the burned-out site at 70 Carden Place. Picture by Kenny Elrick.

The architects’ new designs of the rear extension.