Revitalizing Aberdeen: The transformation of Atholl House into The Metropolitan

Cater Group unveils ambitious plans for a new shopping and dining hub in the city.

Revitalizing Aberdeen: The transformation of Atholl House into The Metropolitan
In a bold move to rejuvenate the cityscape of Aberdeen, the Cater Group has announced plans to transform the long-abandoned Atholl House into a vibrant shopping and dining hub, aptly named “The Metropolitan.” This redevelopment aims to breathe new life into the 1970s office building, which has remained vacant for nearly eight years, and to replace the previously proposed public plaza with a dynamic commercial space.

New vision for a historic site

The Cater Group, known for its successful projects across Aberdeen, has rebranded Atholl House and is set to develop multiple units for shops, restaurants, and bars. The company’s operations manager, Mark Anderson, hinted at the firm’s ambitious plans during a recent visit to their revamped project at 173 Union Street. He emphasized that the site had become an “eyesore” over the years and expressed excitement about the potential transformation.

Architectural transformation on the horizon

Concept images of “The Metropolitan” reveal a striking modern design that contrasts sharply with the building’s current aging exterior. The proposed renovations include a sleek, wavy grey facade that promises to enhance the visual appeal of the area. With construction expected to commence next year, the project is anticipated to be a significant milestone in Aberdeen’s ongoing urban renewal efforts.

A rich history and a promising future

Atholl House has a storied past, having served as the office for various government departments, including the Procurator Fiscal Service and the Crown Office. However, following the relocation of these offices, the building was slated for demolition in 2018. Previous redevelopment plans included student accommodations and a hotel, but these were ultimately abandoned due to economic downturns in the oil and gas sector.

Now, with the Cater Group at the helm, the future of Atholl House looks brighter than ever. Established in 2009, the group has a proven track record of large-scale developments, including the ongoing transformation of the former Chalmers Bakery site into luxury apartments. The proposed redevelopment of Atholl House represents their most ambitious project to date, promising to revitalize not only the building itself but also the surrounding community.

As the plans for “The Metropolitan” unfold, residents and visitors alike eagerly await the revitalization of this key site in Aberdeen. The project not only aims to enhance the city’s commercial landscape but also to create a vibrant social hub that reflects the evolving needs of the community.