An Arbroath warehouse, described as one of Scotland’s most important industrial buildings, is set to be turned into affordable housing, after planning permission was finally granted.
The town’s Baltic Works Bond has lain empty for several years and a number of attempts to transform the site have failed to get off the ground.
The building on Dens Road, formerly known as Arbroath Warehouse Limited Bond, was Grade A listed by Historic Scotland in 2003.
Arbroath councillor Peter Nield, who has campaigned to have the site redeveloped, yesterday said he was delighted progress is finally being made.
He said, “Planning permission was given for what will be social housing or affordable housing to rent and I would like to thank all the Arbroath councillors for coming together to support the application.
“The developers have stuck with this over the past four years at considerable cost to themselves while waiting for SEPA and Historic Scotland to decide if it could happen.
“This is going to be a first-class development for the Dens Road area, which I believe is going to produce in the region of 29 flats and four houses.
“There is always a need for affordable housing and there are a lot of young people who can’t get on to the housing market.Support”Just because it is a listed building doesn’t mean it was not right for development and I am glad that the other Arbroath councillors have all supported my vision.”
Baltic Works has been subject to a number of bids in recent years, including a failed plan to turn it into a call centre.
The town’s former Alma Works, a prominent industrial building, was also converted into residential accommodation.
Work to revamp Baltic Works will require strict adherence to rules governing the preservation of the building’s important features.
Sited by the Brothock burn, the site serves as a reminder of the town’s textile boom and dates from 1854, although it took on its present form in 1861.
Built of local sandstone, it contains four storeys as well as a full-size attic.
Weaving sheds to the rear have gone over the years, but the engine house, boiler room and chimney remain as reminders of its past role in the textile industry.
Architects rank Baltic Works as one of the most important industrial buildings in the UK alongside those found in Dundee, Yorkshire, Paisley and the Borders textile towns.