Redeveloping the A-listed Eastern Primary School building in Broughty Ferry will be a “complex undertaking,” planners believe.
Eastern Primary School in Broughty Ferry.
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A report going before Dundee councillors next week says conversion into flats is the most likely use of the 99-year-old Art Nouveau building once the school moves out next summer.
However, other uses such as a “quality” hotel or offices are not being ruled out.
A draft planning brief has been drawn up as a guide to potential developers, letting them know what the council will be prepared to accept on the prominent site, which includes out-buildings and the playground.
It states, “The buildings are listed as nationally important for their construction and architectural appearance and will probably continue to be an important reminder of schooling in the wider area. As such, it is anticipated that the original external appearance will remain largely unaltered through renovation and re-use.
“Adaptation to the fabric of the building must be undertaken carefully and sensitively and have a minimum impact on the architectural and historic interest, character and setting of the building.”
Flats viable
As the school lies in a predominantly residential area, a conversion to flats is thought to be the most viable option, and the brief says that these should have “generous internal space” and at least two bedrooms.
A small number of new houses could also be built along the northern boundary of the site, with three-storey townhouses preferred.
The site is within a conservation area and would-be developers are being advised to seek advice from the council before submitting planning applications.
If the draft planning brief is approved, there will be consultation with the community and other interested parties, with a report back to councillors within six months.
Councillor Will Dawson, city development convener, said, “We are keen to ensure the future of this prominent and attractive building in the heart of the Ferry is finalised as quickly as possible. Bringing forward this draft site brief is part of a planned and sustained programme to try to secure the future use of this building in a way that will satisfy everyone who cares about it, the area and the future of land use in Broughty Ferry.”
Grove move
Eastern Primary will be moving to the former Grove Academy building in time for the start of the 2011/12 term. The move came about after the council realised a rewiring programme in the building would prove expensive and disruptive, while the old Grove offered better facilities.
Some nearby residents have voiced concerns about the Eastern site becoming dilapidated or vandalised.
As the council is depending on private developers to come forward there is no way of telling how long it may be vacant, although large parcels of development land rarely become available in central Broughty Ferry, and that could prove attractive.