The B-listed building at 173 Union Street, located on the corner with Bridge Street and overlooking Union Terrace Gardens, has fallen into disrepair.

Now Fitzgerald and Associates will redevelop the building.

The developers hope that the flats will be “desirable” for first-time buyers and young professionals in the city.

The planning application reads: “The first and second-floor levels on Union Street have been vacant offices, with the third-floor flat, all having lain vacant for some 30+ years.

“The office space on the third and fourth floor of Windmill Brae has also lain vacant in recent years. We were approached by our client in November 2018 to carry out a survey and inspection of the building and look at alternative uses and options for the building.

“After we looked at the building in detail it became clear the best option for it would be to convert the upper floors into residential accommodation which will sit well with the surrounding area bringing life to the building and in line with the current Aberdeen city centre living strategy.”

A survey found various areas of the building had been left “neglected” with the third floor most affected, The Press and Journal reports. 

In Aberdeen City Council’s decision notice, planning officers said the project supported the council’s ambition to encourage people to live in the heart of the city.