Two former Dundee jute mills which were once part of the world’s largest linen factory are to be converted into serviced apartments.
Plans to convert Dens Street Mill and St Roque’s Mill, located in Dundee’s East Marketgait, were given the green light this week after recently being lodged by CSAM Limited.
The complex will contain 81 rooms with an adjacent car park on the site.
The other buildings that make up the Lower Dens Works complex: Bell Mill and North Mill, are subject to a separate planning application for a four star luxury hotel, also by CSAM Limited.
The hotel is set to contain 96 rooms but as yet, no decision has been made on this part of the development.
Owned by the Baxter brothers, the mills were the largest linen factory in the world in the middle to late 19th century when Dundee was the world’s leader in linen production.
The category A listed buildings, the upper floors of which have descended into a state of disrepair, are bordered by Constable Street to the south and Princes Street to the north, with St Roque’s Lane and Dens Street on either side.
Maryfield Councillor Lynne Short, said it was “fantastic” that the area was seeing investment.
She said: “I think the biggest message of this development is that old empty buildings are being looked at and people are willing to invest in them.
“It will create jobs for cleaners, construction workers and hospitality staff as well as being beneficial for the city, the neighbourhood and other businesses.
“It’s so important to preserve the culture and heritage of these types of buildings while making use out of them too.”
CSAM Limited have said they will maintain the architectural, historical and social significance of the buildings, and have been in discussion with Dundee City Council and Historic Scotland on how to best achieve this.
In the application, the company states: “At its core this project is about achieving a balance between the preservation, regeneration and revitalisation of these historically important buildings and delivering a viable, sustainable and ultimately financially successful development which can bring long term investment and employment to Dundee.
“Our proposal seeks to establish a viable and long term future for the Lower Dens Works worthy of its place in Dundee’s social and economic history.
“Our key consideration is to do so whilst remaining respectful of the building’s architectural heritage and listing status.”
