A historic Dundee waterfront building has changed hands again, with the latest developer signalling his determination to see through the £2.5 million project.
Eco Homes has bought the century-old Maritime Building, the former home of the DP&L shipping company in East Dock Street.
It is the property development firm of Dundee plumber George Penman which is pursuing housing projects with a gross value of more than £160m across the city, Angus and Perthshire.
Previous owner Stone Acre of Edinburgh received planning permission three months ago to convert the four-storey structure into 10 flats with offices on the ground floor.
It decided to sell the building to concentrate on projects in the capital, and Mr Penman confirmed that the sale has been concluded.
“We are very excited about this project and feel privileged to be taking on responsibility for such a famous building in Dundee,” he said.
“We are a young company formed by myself and business partner Matthew Archer three years ago but are ambitious.
“The DP&L building has a special place in the history of Dundee and we want to produce a development of which the city can be proud.”
The exterior of the B-listed structure will be preserved as will special internal features as befits the building’s status.
He continued: “The luxury apartments will be created to a very high standard and we think they will be an asset to the waterfront.
“It is right in the part of the city that is undergoing a revival with stunning views along to the V&A and across to Victoria Dock.
“We think it is a place where people will want to live.”
He hopes to start work on the building soon and for the project to be completed early next year under its Urban Living brand.
The Dundee Perth and London shipping firm was a mainstay of maritime operations at the port of Dundee over the last two centuries.
It achieved national renown as the owner of the Forfarshire which was wrecked off the Farne Islands in 1838, giving rise to the heroic story of Grace Darling.