Officials are recommending that permission be granted for a 14-storey, 195-bed Novel Student complex at 21-41 Queen Street be granted. City councillors will have the final say on the proposal.
It would involve partial demolition of buildings and retention of the principal facade.
There would be a ground floor commercial unit, intended for reoccupation by Tam Shepherd’s Trick Shop.
A new courtyard to rear of Queen Street would be accessed off Argyll Chambers and Princes Court via a colonnade that would provide rear access to the development.
The existing premises were built in the early 1830s as flexible shop, warehouse, office and workshop accommodation.
In recent years, the building, which is not listed, was occupied as nightclub Archaos, however the upper floors have been vacant since 2010. It has remained largely vacant and has fallen into a state of disrepair.
Planners state in their report that the application complies with city policies, and added: “The proposal has been developed to respond appropriately to the surrounding context, with particular emphasis on the heritage building to the north [Guild Hall] as well as the retained façade to be restored, stripping the painted finish to expose the blonde sandstone underneath.”
A design document submitted with the planning application states: “Given the current condition of this neglected early 19th century building, these proposals present themselves as an opportunity for improvement by restoration and redevelopment.”
Plans are also being developed for student accommodation further up Queen Street.
