August 5 2024

The prominent gable end of a B-listed tenement in Dundee's University conservation area is to be given a full stop under proposals by Andrew Black Design to erect a cafe.

Currently serving as an open terrace atop a former public convenience the 65sq/m site is to be developed as a cafe overlooking Seabraes Park while retaining decorative features such as mosaic tiles from the existing building.

This will necessitate the removal of street-level railings and stonework to ensure open access while retaining glass bricks which permit light into the basement level. Trimmed hedging will also permit access to an external seating area.

Toilet stalls and urinals will be removed and repurposed elsewhere to accommodate additional seating at the lower level in addition to a kitchen, accessible by a replacement staircase.

In a design statement, the applicant wrote: "While the proposal contrasts with the directly neighbouring context in terms of materials and design it maintains harmony with it by maintaining a reserved sense of scale and proportions to not subtract from the original structure. The modern design aims to respect the historical context while still introducing a contemporary element to the streetscape."

The largely glazed facade will be given a modern look through the use of timber-effect aluminium battens and zinc shingles.  

5 Comments

#1 Posted by Graeme McCormick on 5 Aug 2024 at 13:26 PM

a lean-to is a lean-to! A missed opportunity to erect a end terraced statement with flats on the upper floors offering lovely views instead of the blank gable end

#2 Posted by ElmoElvis on 5 Aug 2024 at 14:53 PM

Why would you simply not erect a gable end tenement with ground floor accommodating a cafe?

#3 Posted by Dundee Says No on 5 Aug 2024 at 15:40 PM

ElmoElvis - have you tired to build anything in Dundee recently? Your not allowed to build an ikea flat pack without a building warrant!!

#4 Posted by town planner on 5 Aug 2024 at 23:00 PM

#1 & 2 - Agree!

#5 Posted by Pants on Fire on 6 Aug 2024 at 11:57 AM

I guess we would have all loved to have seen some Hadid-esque Berlin gable housing block....but we all need to get back to the real world.
It will still make a positive contribution to the area at least.
The real missed opportunity was not designing customised seating from the urinals to eat your oysters ;-)

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