Prince Charles’s backing will boost regeneration of vast mill complex

A planning application was lodged yesterday by a steering group, led by the Prince’s Regeneration Trust, for the restoration of the disused Broadford Works in Aberdeen – the largest collection of category A-listed buildings at risk in Scotland.

The site of the former mill complex has lain derelict since the former Richards textile plant closed its doors seven years ago.

One of the architectural treasures is the “Grey Mill”, built in 1808, the oldest iron-framed mill in Scotland and the fourth-oldest known to survive in the world.

The Victorian buildings, close to the city centre, are owned by Ian Suttie, the tycoon poised to become Scotland’s third billionaire after his company, First Oil & Gas, recently discovered the massive Kraken field in the waters east of Shetland.

He had taken over the Broadford Works plant in 2002 after Richards went bust.

Mr Suttie moved the company’s operations to a site in Northfield, but the new company went intoreceivership in 2004, leaving the 196 remaining workers without jobs.

Over the past seven years, the massive industrial complex in Maberly Street – the 3.5-hectare site has more than 100 buildings – has been repeatedly vandalised and targeted by thieves.

But the steering group, which includes Mr Suttie, Aberdeen City Council, Historic Scotland and Tenants First Housing Co-operative, is planning to transform the site into a mixed residential and retail development.

A spokesman for the Prince’s Regeneration Trust said: “The proposed planning strategy will restore the vast and complex site to allow for a mix of uses that will benefit the people of Aberdeen. It will allow this abandoned site not only to be brought back to life, but to be publicly accessible for the first time in its history.

“The strategy has required a great deal of consideration and attention to detail, due to the size and complexity of the site and to ensure that the proposed scheme is viable and meets community needs, while respecting and celebrating the site’s industrial heritage.”

Ros Kerslake, the chief executive of the trust, said: “This planning application is hopefully the start of regenerating this impressive industrial heritage site and bringing it back into the community for people to enjoy.

“The steering group members all bring a set of expertise and experience that make it an excellent vehicle to ensure the proposed development honours the industrial heritage, while creating a contemporary mixed-use site that will greatly improve the facilities and opportunities available to the people of Aberdeen.”