Community-conscious Dundonians have revealed plans to fight the proposed demolition of an historical city building.
The Structured House Group (SHG) has lodged plans with Dundee City Council to redevelop the former Robertson’s House Furnishers store on Barrack Street, which could involve part or all of the building being knocked down.
The store, which stood proudly in the city centre for 130 years, would be replaced with student accommodation, a restaurant and a cafe, if the bid was successful.
That has not found favour with everyone, however, and Phil Doig has now formed the “Save 56 Barrack Street” group in the belief that too many of Dundee’s fine old buildings have gone.
Phil, 41, has gathered the support of nearly 100 members, who have joined him in lobbying to save the building.
He said; “From my perspective, this is just another example of the desecration of Dundee’s art deco buildings.
“It is of architectural value to the city but we need to protect our history and architecture.
“Of course, it’s more costly to renovate buildings and it’s cheaper just to knock them down.”
Known as Willison House, the building has been empty since 2011 when Robertson’s went out of business.
It was designed by H Pierce Robbie around 1934 and listed as a category B building by Historic Scotland in March 1994.
Phil says Dundee has knocked down too many beautiful and historic buildings or structures in the past and it needs to change its wrecking-ball mentality.
He said: “I think it will have a big and negative impact.
“Dundee needs to be looking to stop that short-term view of knocking something down, only to do the same thing 20 or 30 years later.”
A spokeswoman for SHG said its plan, which involves around £20 million of investment, would create permanent jobs and promised top design.
She added: “We are proposing the redevelopment of a derelict site that has lain empty for years with almost no interest from other parties.”