One of the last remnants of the Hilltown jute industry could be given a new lease of life if housing plans are approved by Dundee City Council.
An application to redevelop the 108-year-old Hillside Works building has been submitted to the local authority.
If approved, the former jute mill offices will be transformed into five flats.
Building dates back to WWI
The building, which was built in 1914, once served as the offices for the greater mill complex and was later home to the Dundee Islamic Society.
It’s all that remains of the mill complex that once stretched across the Hilltown but has been empty since the Islamic Society moved into their current premises on Miln Street.
If given the green light, the flats will each have at least two bedrooms, as well as a balcony to the rear of the property.
The developers also believe there will be parking space for at least one car per flat.
Hillside Works in Hilltown is in ‘state of disrepair’
The whole of the former Hillside Works building is vacant and has been subject to multiple building standards notices dating back to 2011.
In a report submitted with the planning application, architect Wellwood Leslie – acting on behalf of applicant Andrew Muir – confirmed all levels of the building are in a “state of disrepair”.
The upper levels are showing more significant damage, they say, due to the poor condition of the roof.
The windows of the building are also expected to be replaced if the redevelopment is approved.
The internal structure of the building, however, remains sound, the application said.
Plans to pay homage to history
Hillside Works was the name of the textile mill complex owned by the company T.L Miller & Co. which was established by Alexander Miller in 1857.
The office building was built in 1914 and remained an office for T.L Miller & Co until the dissolution of the company.
The developer hopes to “pay homage” to the historical importance of Hillside Works by leaving the front of the building unaltered.
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