Student accommodation bid for Aberdeen’s Northern Hotel

The Art Deco landmark at the junction of Great Northern Road and Clifton Road dates back decades but closed its doors back in 2022 amid “crippling energy costs”.

Developers Inspired Living LLP now wants to convert the A-listed building into 47 student flats.

The building had previously been bought by Aberdeen University and converted into a student residence in 1990 when the former hotel was given Category A status, before being passed back into private ownership in 1993.

Under the plans, internal alterations to the ground floor would deliver a range of features including 11 student apartments, a reception area, a cinema, study space, a gym, laundry areas and enclosed cycle and bin storage.

The first floor would comprise nine apartments, a social/library space - previously the ballroom - and a private dining room, while the second floor would include 14 apartments, and the third floor containing 14 apartments and storage space.

Each flat would contain its own small kitchen and a shower space, while the public bar facing Clifton Road and other bar and dining spaces would be turned into flats.

Developers stated in their report to the council: “Commercial property agents have confirmed that there remains a need for further student accommodation in Aberdeen.

“It is self-evident that Inspired Living LLP would not be advancing these proposals unless they were satisfied that there is a demand for such.”