January 23 2025

A fire-damaged nightclub tucked away down a cobbled back lane in Dundee city centre is to be converted into 39 student flats by Wilson/Paul Architects.

The former Lyrics club is to be rebuilt from the ground up with a rebuilt roof permitting a third floor of accommodation to be inserted. This lightweight aluminium extension will rest on repaired stonework.

New and enlarged window openings will be punched through the stonework to bring light to the interior and break up the massing towards the constricted lane, angled on Sugar Wynd to preserve the privacy of existing residents.

In a planning statement, the architects wrote: "The decision to retain and adapt, demonstrates our commitment to preserving as well as adding to the character of the area. The St Andrew’s Lane façade will be preserved and carefully restored, with plans for chemical cleaning and repointing using traditional lime mortar. This commitment to preservation safeguards the building’s history while removing graffiti and wear, enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal of St Andrew’s Lane."

The main entrance on St Andrew's Lane will be accented by large format aluminium panels to provide contrast with retained elements. 

3 Comments

#1 Posted by Chris on 23 Jan 2025 at 10:16 AM

UR - you've got the wrong planning link

#2 Posted by UR on 23 Jan 2025 at 10:21 AM

Whoops. That's the link sorted.

#3 Posted by Bemused_Citizen on 24 Jan 2025 at 16:25 PM

It is a shame to lose the gabled form. The design statement makes no attempt to explain the rationale for this design decision.

The design statement overall is pretty poor.

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