December 5 2024

A top-heavy extension of a landmark Dundee library has been chopped down to size in a revised application for listed building consent by Wilson/Paul.

The B-listed former St Roques Library in Blackscroft was to have received a gold aluminium top hat as part of proposals to turn it into a restaurant and hotel with new apartments to the rear. Now it will sport a gold aluminium flat cap to tuck bedroom accommodation away less conspicuously following feedback from Historic Environment Scotland.

Outlining their shifting approach to the £5m hospitality venue Wilson/Paul wrote: "With the non-original roof requiring replacement, we have proposed a new contextually responsive architectural intervention that draws reference from the fenestration and proportions of the original building, albeit in a contemporary manner. Such an intervention assists in both shoring up the usability of the existing building with the venue function and assists in provision of further ongoing financial viability, assisting in contributing towards remedial works costs and thus safeguarding the existing fabric."

Aside from replacing the roof, which is in an advanced state of decay, the works will reinstate a lost balustrade in cast stone, as well as an original fountain, partially reassembled from salvageable sections. Described as a 'restaurant with rooms' the intimate venue would retain the inherent character of the property while futureproofing it with a viable economic use.  

6 Comments

#1 Posted by Mies Van Der Toe on 6 Dec 2024 at 09:24 AM

If executed correctly (and this is now an expensive looking scheme) this is as good as you can get on that site- The Pocket Park looks the best part of £1m, that'll likely reduce- a great effort0 fingers crossed

#2 Posted by The Salvager on 6 Dec 2024 at 14:24 PM

Great to see the surplus panels from the new BT building at Greenmarket have found a home plonked on the top

#3 Posted by Terra Firma on 7 Dec 2024 at 00:21 AM

#1 agree. Obviously a lot of thought gone into it, but will wait and see whether funding prevails. Nice scheme and nice visuals, wouldn't knock the architect as a solid take looking at the full scheme. Would love to say I remembered any of the nights in there....I don't

#4 Posted by Roddy_ on 7 Dec 2024 at 09:37 AM

Nice scheme

#5 Posted by Maboza Hurteng on 9 Dec 2024 at 05:44 AM

They don’t need the corner pieces - just run the vertical elements all the way around and it’s cleaner and more consistent

#6 Posted by D to the R on 9 Dec 2024 at 16:30 PM

So a ... hotel ?!?

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