Initially unveiled two years ago, the proposal from Blackscroft Property and Wilson Paul Architects calls for the transformation of the former Blackscroft Church into “affordable” apartments. Currently used as offices, the redbrick church was built in the early 1900s.

An adjacent vacant commercial yard would make way for a building of 24 mid-market rent apartments, featuring a central community courtyard and green spaces.

In addition, the Category B-listed St Roques Library, formerly the Reading Rooms nightclub, would be restored and redeveloped into a café/bar with a clutch of boutique hotel rooms.

If approved, the existing roof, which has fallen into disrepair, will be replaced with a contemporary architectural intervention, which the new income stream the accommodation will provide will fund. The new bar and restaurant aims to preserve the building’s public-facing character, with elements of the existing building given priority in the new interior design. The proposals include for the garden area and historic fountain to be restored to their former glory, offering a venue for live music and events. 

In a separate planning application, a new green space connecting to the Dundee Eden Project would offer recreational areas, community gardens, and small allotments for local residents.

A design statement submitted by the architects to the council said: “The proposed boutique restaurant with rooms concept ensures that

“St Roque’s remains an active and public-facing space, contributing to the local community and cultural heritage of Dundee.

“The development will help meet the demand for city centre living while protecting and repurposing historical buildings like St Roque’s Library and Blackscroft Church.

“By converting brownfield sites into high quality, modern living spaces, the project aims to contribute to the broader regeneration of Dundee and provide much-needed housing within the city.

“The proposed development aims to create strong connections between the existing residential and commercial areas, improving accessibility and creating a vibrant streetscape along Foundry Lane.”