The A-listed Georgian mansion house on Dock Street has lain empty for 14 years. Alicydon Limited bought the 1840s structure from Apex Hotels after hotel proposals were dropped by the previous owners.

The development firm then received planning permission in October 2020 to convert the main building into 20 flats and build a further 29 flats across two new-build structures.

Architecture practice jmarchitects, which has drawn up the plans, has announced work is to begin on the roof and windows.

In a statement on its website, the firm said: “After sitting unused for over a decade, Dundee’s Custom House, an icon within the city’s waterfront, is getting ready for contractors to be on site.

“The start of enabling works will undertake roof and window replacement to ensure the building has a watertight envelope again.

“A project of this pedigree required intense planning and building warrant liaison to ensure the work reflects the character of the building and ensure the longevity of its future while respecting its important historical past.

“Our team, jmarchitects, Alicydon Ltd, Linear Group Ltd, Axiom, Will Rudd (WRD), The Keenan Consultancy, TJ Ross, and New Acoustics have been diligently working to create a design strategy and plan that will allow the building to shine again.

“We cannot wait to see Custom House come back to life.”