The Press and Journal has exclusively revealed that The Epic Group has submitted plans to the Aberdeen City Council to build 4 high-end two- and three-bedroom flats on the three upper storeys of the A-listed former Monkey House in Union Terrace, on the corner with Union Street.

The move marks the latest building to be reclaimed for residential use in Aberdeen city centre amid a drive from council chiefs to have more people living in the heart of the city.

Mike Wilson, Epic Group boss, said: “I believe there has been a realisation that anything above ground floor level in Union Street is going to be residential.

“With office space so plentiful in the city centre, I see this as a sensible fit for the property and hopefully this assists with regeneration of the area.

“Given the prominence of the Monkey House in Aberdeen, this development can only be good for the city and some badly needed good news for Union Street.”

Chaophraya, the Thai restaurant which replaced a pub on the ground floor in 2016, would remain in place under the new plans.

Marketed as premium office space, the upper storeys have been empty for more than a year and now Mr Wilson claims it is “clear” the space will not be snapped up as is.

Richard Tinto, of Tinto Architecture, said his staff were “humbled and privileged” to be involved in the work, estimated to be worth well over £1 million.

He added: “We want to make a statement, in a statement building, overlooking a statement development – which is just the right narrative for Aberdeen at the moment.

“Most of us in the practice are local and we feel a responsibility to help reinvigorate the city in the right manner, contribute to its future success and we need to get this right to allow Aberdeen to be what it deserves to be.”

Built in 1885 for Northern Assurance, the building was designed by prolific northern architect A Marshall Mackenzie.

The Elgin-born Victorian also planned the art gallery, the front and spires of Marischal College, Elphinstone Hall and the war memorial and Cowdray Hall.