Plans to convert old offices into flats aim to breathe new life into Schoolhill.
Topics covered
Revitalizing Aberdeen’s Schoolhill: A new chapter for empty offices
In a significant move to address the growing vacancy crisis in Aberdeen, a Central Belt developer has announced plans to invest £350,000 in converting old offices on Schoolhill into residential flats.
This initiative comes as the street has been identified as the emptiest in the city center, with a staggering 50% vacancy rate as of March 2023.
The current state of Schoolhill
Schoolhill has long struggled with high vacancy rates, characterized by a row of shuttered premises, including the once-popular Wordies Alehouse pub, which has remained closed since the onset of the Covid pandemic.
The recent relocation of the Style for Your Shape clothing store to the Trinity Centre further highlights the declining foot traffic in the area. As of early 2023, the number of empty units along Schoolhill has increased from 36% to 50%, leaving a total of 11 units vacant.
Proposed developments to breathe new life into the area
Jonathan Lee, the owner of 8-26 Schoolhill, has put forward ambitious proposals aimed at revitalizing this struggling part of the city. The plans include converting a row of first-floor offices into four new flats, alongside the construction of single-storey extensions to provide toilet facilities for the closed shops. These developments are part of a broader strategy to reimagine the ground floor units, which received approval in 2022.
The challenges of transformation
While the plans to convert the upper floors into residential flats are promising, they have also led to the closure of the Wordies Alehouse. Local authorities expressed concerns that a busy bar operating downstairs would compromise the residential amenity for future tenants. Consequently, the tavern must undergo significant changes before it can reopen. Although permission was granted for a retail unit in the space, progress on transforming the beloved bar remains stalled.
Ultimately, the vision for Schoolhill includes the establishment of five retail units at ground level, which could help attract more visitors and residents to the area. The building warrant for these developments is available on the Aberdeen City Council website, signaling a potential turning point for this once-thriving street.
As Aberdeen continues to grapple with the challenges posed by vacant properties, the proposed transformation of Schoolhill into a vibrant residential and retail hub could serve as a model for similar initiatives across the city. With the right investments and community support, Schoolhill may soon shed its reputation as the emptiest street in Aberdeen.
