A run-down centre in the heart of Longhaugh could shortly be demolished to make way for affordable housing and a new “parade of shops.”
The owner of the Longhaugh Neighbourhood Centre, off Pitkerro Road, wants to tear down the building, which has become an eyesore.
Queensberry Properties Ltd intends to build six retail units and 24 homes on the 1.65 hectare brownfield site, which they claim will provide a quality addition to the area.
The applicant’s supporting statement to the council, prepared by Hackland+Dore Architects Ltd, says, “The existing shopping centre will be demolished and replaced by a new parade of shops at the front of the site, including a modern supermarket and individual units for local traders.
“The retail development will comprise six units, and four will be an addition to the current network of local shopping centres, shopping parades and corner shops which operate throughout the inner city and suburban areas of Dundee.”
Under the plans now with council officials, the applicant aims to build the new shopping centre roughly where the existing structure stands.
The homes, it proposes, will be built to the rear of this and backing on to open ground.
At the time of its own opening the Longhaugh Neighbourhood Centre proved a hit with customers, with household name retailers occupying the available units.
However, over time more and more shops have left the centre.Bus mootedBy phasing the construction Queensberry Properties say they will replace the existing retail accommodation without the current sole retailer still operating in the centre being forced to cease trade.
Work is expected to start by the end of the year with phase two, the demolition and construction of five retail units following.
The third and final stage will be the construction of the residential homes.
Both developments will be individually served by existing points of access from Pitkerro Road.
If given the go-ahead the applicant also hopes a bus route that until a couple of years ago ran along Pitkerro Road as far as the neighbourhood centre will be resumed, and as such improve the site’s connection with the rest of the city.
The statement said, “It is not expected that the development of the site will have an adverse impact on the neighbouring residential area or the adjacent wildlife corridor.
“Planning guidelines have been adopted and 100% parking will be provided within the residential site to prevent impact on neighbouring streets.”
Ronald Neave, chairman of the neighbouring Fintry Community Council, said he was all for the redevelopment of the site.