Marishcal College Plans Revealed

30 May 2008

steven.raeburn@carnyx.com

Holmes plans for the conversion of Marischal College into Aberdeen City Council’s new corporate headquarters have been lodged with the city council.

The planning application aims to convert the archway area leading into the courtyard into the HQ reception and to make a number of minor amendments to the original planning permission. A further planning application will follow at a later date, detailing proposals to clean the building and restore the stonework to the original granite. 

"The proposals represent the culmination of a detailed analysis of the existing grade A listed historic building, together with the Council's requirements for an inspiring and welcoming headquarters office building," said Holmes Partnership's Harry Phillips.

"A key design priority has been to overcome the split layout of the building caused by the access Pend which separated the north and south wings on 3 floor levels. The proposals create a grand new entrance lobby in the entrance pend which both connects the building and at the same time provides the Council with a superb public entrance on to Broad Street.

With the possibility of over 1000 visitors to the new building daily, the development will transform Marischal College from a vacant and neglected structure into a vibrant and attractive civic headquarters."

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