An iconic Dundee building is on the brink of a new dawn after city planners gave the green light to major renovation work.
The former Tay Hotel on the corner of Dock Street and Whitehall Crescent has been closed since 1997 and the stonebuilt structure has gradually fallen into a state of disrepair.
However, this looks set to change with the city council on Tuesday granting conditional approval to ambitious plans that could see the B-listed building transform into a 91-bedroom boutique hotel with brasserie, private dining room, whisky snug and cellar.
In May The Courier revealed that the luxury hotel chain Malmaison was behind the blueprint and the latest announcement marks a significant step in its efforts to open in Dundee.
In its decision statement the council wrote, “The application has been granted because the proposals shall preserve the historic character of the building while also enhancing its appearance as a landmark within the Dock Street streetscape and central conservation area.”
Bosses at Malmaison were staying tight-lipped on the development. However, the council stated that the company must begin the work no later than five years from the date of the decision.
As part of its conditions the council has stated that details of the proposed stone repair and restoration works must be submitted to the local authority for written approval before work can start.
Providing it proceeds with its plans, Dundee would be home to Malmaison’s 13th hotel, with others already established in Aberdeen, Glasgow, Belfast, Leeds, Liverpool, London, Oxford, Manchester, Newcastle and Reading.
The proposed hotel would also form part of the backdrop to the city’s multi-million-pound waterfront development and be located a short walk from the new V&A Museum on the River Tay.
The council’s development convener Will Dawson has said the plans along with Unicorn Property’s proposal to turn Customs House into a similarly upmarket hotel would help to transform perceptions of the cityboth at home and abroad.
It is also anticipated that the building’s development would help to turn Dundee into a leading tourist destination.
Formed in 1994, the Malmaison group is owned by MWB Group Holdings. The company also owns the Hotel du Vin chain, which includes One Devonshire Gardens in Glasgow.