November 21 2023

David Murray Associates have secured approval for a low-key extension and internal alterations to Aberdeen Mosque and Islamic Centre after planners gauged the proposed works would have a 'neutral impact' on its character and setting.

The C-listed granite building on Frederick Street, originally built as a school, will be joined by a brick and zinc-clad barrel-vaulted washroom to the west. Further changes will see an accessible entrance carved out of an existing ground-floor window and crescent moon finials added to a pair of distinctive octagonal towers - to advertise the building as a place of worship.

Noting that the west elevation had previously been compromised by a blockwork lift tower and a multistorey car park the case officer wrote: "Although the form and materiality of the proposed extension would contrast with the bulk, massing and granite detailing of the parent building, it would be a recessive element in the streetscape which would be clearly subservient to the main building.

"... the use of a barrel roof and round window are evidently influenced by the existing building features. The proposed use of red brick is warranted in this instance given its use in the vicinity, that the extension would be clearly read as a separate element from the main granite building..."

Previous internal remodelling for office use has stripped the building of most period features save for stairwells which will be unaffected by the works. Granite down takings will be repurposed for planter retaining walls associated with a new access ramp.  

2 Comments

#1 Posted by James Hepburn on 22 Nov 2023 at 17:37 PM

Baksheesh is a useful word.

#2 Posted by Terra_ on 10 Apr 2024 at 02:19 AM

Lovely,
good to see!

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