Triple Kirks office scheme stokes controversy
May 16 2011
The latest scheme has seen Halliday Fraser Munro appointed to design a £40m office development on the site of the derelict Triple Kirks, a move which would see restoration of the remaining A listed spire, originally designed by Archibald Simpson.
The architects design approach is to break the massing of the development into three separate blocks whilst respecting the steeple in its choice of materials.
Stewart Milne said of the development: “The term iconic is thrown around by many developers but we believe what we hope to create will live up to that identity. “
Commenting on the scheme Andrew Goldie, planning convener of Queens Cross Harlow Community Council labelled the plans as “grossly unsuitable”, saying: “The historic spire appears to be overwhelmed by the glass boxes surrounding it to the extent that the overall impression is one of suffocation.”
Goldie added: “It is unsympathetic to the surrounding area both aesthetically and architecturally, and is of a style that would conflict with the existing architectural character of the area.
“In short, it would stick out like a sore thumb.”
An application decision is still pending..
72,600sq/ft og grade office accommodation will be provided by the scheme
Denburn Valley motorists are currently presented by a sight akin to Dresden
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10 Comments
#2 Posted by Colin C on 16 May 2011 at 14:32 PM
Halliday Fraser are a class act, the Anderson Bell Christie of the east coast!
#3 Posted by Neil Lennon on 16 May 2011 at 16:20 PM
Just popped on here to post my support for ABC.
They have nearly taken nearly as much abuse as I have in the last 12 months.
Everyone loves a good workhorse, just look at my career. I’m not flashy but I get the work done. That’s why everyone appreciates what I bring to the game.
ABC should be held in the same the light.
It seems to me and Peter that this hate stems from a small brained minority who don’t see how the game works and once the RIAS get their act together, I'm sure ABC will be able to fight among the top teams again.
I think it would help ABC's image if UR stopped reporting on dreadfully bland projects with god awful visuals as this would mean we can stop talking about them.
Its either that or we both pack it in and move down south.
They have nearly taken nearly as much abuse as I have in the last 12 months.
Everyone loves a good workhorse, just look at my career. I’m not flashy but I get the work done. That’s why everyone appreciates what I bring to the game.
ABC should be held in the same the light.
It seems to me and Peter that this hate stems from a small brained minority who don’t see how the game works and once the RIAS get their act together, I'm sure ABC will be able to fight among the top teams again.
I think it would help ABC's image if UR stopped reporting on dreadfully bland projects with god awful visuals as this would mean we can stop talking about them.
Its either that or we both pack it in and move down south.
#4 Posted by Nicholas on 17 May 2011 at 14:48 PM
That simply suffocates the existance of the original spire. Vile. Absolutely vile.
#5 Posted by Mike Shepherd on 17 May 2011 at 14:53 PM
Dresden isn't too far off. The church was inspired by German cathedrals and much admired by John Betjeman. The eyesore is the result of Sir William Younger, Thatcher's secretary of state for Scotland overturning Aberdeen council who had rejected Barrats application in the early 80's to build a very similar looking office block. He decreed that the listed steeple be kept and the surrounding church be demolished. It's been like that for 25 years.
#6 Posted by Mike Miller on 17 May 2011 at 18:27 PM
Iconic - oh dear, oh dear. This such a disrespectful and inappropriate proposal it truly beggars belief. Horrid, absolutely horrid.
#7 Posted by richard heggie on 17 May 2011 at 19:59 PM
More images here -
http://commercialdevelopments.stewartmilne.com/PageProducer.aspx?Page=3361
http://commercialdevelopments.stewartmilne.com/PageProducer.aspx?Page=3361
#8 Posted by Ewan knowsit on 17 May 2011 at 21:55 PM
Of course, someone should start a sweeper, as we all know that the spire will "accidentally fall down" when they start the "foundation re-enforcement"... they'll close the denburn dual carriageway and...ooops!... mark my words.
#9 Posted by Ross Pirie on 23 Aug 2011 at 12:29 PM
Mike i agree with you. Having lived in Aberdeen all my life this proposal shows no respect or consideration to the spire or even the surrounding context. It is disgraceful that this is the quality of architecture that firms in Aberdeen promote.
#10 Posted by Ron Smith on 15 Dec 2011 at 22:47 PM
Once again Aberdeen City Council has excelled itself in proposing to its citizens the most ugly eyesore imaginable in a location which is, as yet, mainly unspoilt. We thought we were getting rid of St Nicholas House only for it to be replaced by another monstrosity down the road. So the motive for all this development is simply sheer greed - just fill the space up to its maximum capacity and make the most money. Absolutely no thought has been given to harmonising any development with the surrounding area and the steeple itself. Do we really need a building there at all ? Why not tidy the area up with a terraced red-brick garden or plant a few trees ?
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"The architects design approach is to break the massing of the development into three separate blocks whilst respecting the steeple in its choice of materials".
Your havin' a laugh......