News

Malcolm Chisholm MSP opened 41½ Union Street, Aberdeen

On 8th March, 2005, Malcolm Chisholm MSP, Minister for Communities, formally opened Langstane's development at 41 ½ Union Street, in the very heart of Aberdeen's City Centre.

Langstane acquired the building, which had been extensively fire damaged, in 2001, and at the end of the year began the task of refurbishing it to provide 32 flats for rent, and a highly unusual provision of subsidised offices for the voluntary sector on the first floor.

Sadly, shortly after the work had commenced, tragedy struck. Part of the building collapsed, and a sub contractor, Erik Petersen, who had been working on architectural salvage, was killed.

The work of reconstruction was then delayed for eighteen months while the interior of the building was removed, and a steel frame inserted. The whole process involved difficult conditions for firstly the demolition contractors, J G Fowlie, and then for the main contractors, Mansell. It also meant significant obstruction for the neighbouring residents and businesses, as Union Street was restricted for a lengthy period.

At last, however, the work is finished, and the Category C Listed building is restored to its former glory. All the flats are allocated, and on the first floor, Citizens Advice Bureau Aberdeen, Cornerstone Community Care, Aberdeen International Centre and Advocacy Aberdeen all occupy modern office accommodation on Union Street at rents well below the market level, all made possible by Wider Action Grant from Communities Scotland.