The Broadford Works ‘urban village’ will also include commercial office space, shops, restaurants and cafes set in a landscaped environment.

Developer Inhabit said the proposed 590,000 sq ft development has been designed to complement Aberdeen City Council’s ‘City Centre Masterplan’, the regeneration blueprint for the city launched in June 2015. The site sits on the edge of the area earmarked for the masterplan and Inhabit has worked to ensure the site is aligned with the mission and goals set out by the council.

The historic site, which has stood empty since 2004, was purchased by Inhabit in 2017. The developer said it has undertaken a series of discussions with community groups, Aberdeen City Council and other interested parties to ensure the proposed plan balances the history and heritage of Broadford Works while providing high-quality accommodation, retail and leisure amenities and attractive public spaces in the city centre.

Commenting on the application, Ana Nekhamkin, managing director of Inhabit, said: “In preparation for the submission of this planning application we have worked closely with Aberdeen City Council, Historic Environment Scotland, local residents and businesses to create an environment that is sensitive to the unique character of the buildings within Broadford Works and creates a dynamic and inclusive project to the benefit of Aberdeen.”

Russell Borthwick, chief executive of Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce, added: “We welcome Inhabit’s plans for the Broadford Works which we believe will enhance the Aberdeen City Centre Masterplan. One of the main areas of focus in the plan is to attract people back into the city centre to work, for leisure and to live. This is the approach that has driven regeneration in successful peer cities in the UK and beyond.

“The Broadford Works development will provide a great platform for this; helping enterprise and innovation flourish and attracting entrepreneurs to Aberdeen who will make a valuable economic and cultural contribution to the city and the wider region.”