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Planning permission submitted to regenerate historic Dundee building into 69 affordable homes

Posted: February 12, 2020

Planning permission has been submitted by developer AG Akermo on behalf of Hillcrest Homes to regenerate Dundee’s iconic B-listed Burnside Mill into 69 affordable modern apartments.

The project would hope to deliver the apartments for social rent within the unoccupied wing of Burnside Mill, which has lain empty for decades.

If given the green-light, the redevelopment of the currently derelict wing of the mill will see it join its sister wing, which was itself redeveloped a number of years ago to offer residential apartments.

The properties would comprise a mix of one, two and three bedrooms, and would be designed with energy efficiency in mind to save tenants money on heating bills.

The plans, which have been put together by G Paterson Architects, would see the exterior façade of the building preserved, with special care taken to maintain historical architectural features, and restoration using like-for-like materials where possible to preserve the original appearance.

The submitted plans also feature balconies for the each of the properties.

If given the go-ahead, a rough start date for the project is yet to be confirmed, however it’s anticipated this could be 2022.

Angela Linton, Hillcrest’s Chief Executive, said: “We’re delighted to be working in partnership with G Paterson Architect and Developer AG Akermo to undertake an exciting development of 69 affordable homes in the historic Burnside Mill.

“These good quality energy efficient apartments will provide a fantastic boost to Dundee’s affordable housing provision while giving tenants a home they can be proud of, steeped in history and character.”

Architect Gary Paterson added: “We are delighted to assist with bringing a new lease of life to the disused Camperdown Jute Works warehouse on Burnside Street, which despite being built to last and its B Listed status, is on the buildings at risk register. The proposal is to convert this substantial structure into up to 69 flats to help meet the current local housing need by providing modern homes in this historic setting.”

Burnside Mill was previously part of the city’s Camperdown Works, once the world’s largest jute mill covering around 30 acres and at one point employing up to 14,000 workers. By the late 1800’s, Camperdown Works was producing its own machinery, and had its own railway branch including a three-bay locomotive shed and a fire station.

Burnside Mill also has a unique feature in that railway deliveries were made using a platform on the building’s top floor.