The public is to get a first look at plans for homes at the former site of one of Dundee’s most famous jute mills.
Wallace Craigie Works, which stood prominently on Broughty Ferry Road in Blackscroft, was demolished in controversial circumstances in May 2018.
It was claimed at the time the site’s owners, Craigie Estates Ltd, did not have permission to knock it down but no charges have ever been brought.
Now four years on, locals will be able to scrutinise architect drawings and details of a replacement development on November 16 at The Boomerang Centre on Kemback Street in Stobswell from 4-7pm.
Plan would ‘take advantage of stunning views’
The plans for the site, which was also known as Halley’s Mill, are being put forward by Craigie Estates and developers First Endeavour.
The exact number and design of the properties has not yet been decided but the public will be able to give feedback on the idea.
Neil Gray, director of the developers’ consultants, Gray Planning, said: “The topography creates an opportunity to take advantage of stunning views over the city, the docks and the River Tay.
“It also presents a challenge to any development and one of the reasons the site has been unoccupied since the closure of the old mill.
“The gradient at Wallace Street is extremely steep and does not comply with current standards on accessibility. Part of the site is also subject to retention in the form of high walls and gabion baskets.”
Properties would be mostly made from brick
Mr Gray said the perimeter development will “immediately create a more positive street environment” on land that has been unused for some time.
He also said the architecture should be “appropriate” for such a prominent location.
“The elevated position of the site means the building will be quite prominent within the Dundee skyline,” he added.
“The pitched roofs reflect traditional Scottish architecture whilst also reflecting warehouse style development appropriate for an old mill site and a location close to the river.”
Brick is expected to be used as the dominant building material to reflect the heritage of the site and its former use.
Large windows and balconies would also be incorporated facing south to the river.
The proposals would provide a mix of affordable and private homes.
Only a pre-application notice (PAN) has been submitted to the council so far but a full planning application is expected to be submitted in the first half of 2023.
The site was initially a quarry with Wallace Craigie Works built in 1836 and closed in 2004.
The ‘William Halley & Sons’ gold-coloured lettering was recognisable to many in Dundee who worked at the site or passed by over the decades.
More details of the plan are available online supplied by Gray Planning and Yeoman McAllister Architects.
Stobswell Forum chairman Colin Clement said the group is keen to see the plans come to fruition.
He said: “We are broadly in favour of the development as it will see the site return to life and bring much needed housing to this part of the city.
“It will also enhance an area of the city which has felt a bit forgotten over the last few years.”
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