January 22 2024

An historic wathctower in the Tillydrone area of Aberdeen is to be transformed into a community cafe under the latest plans filed by Tinto Architecture.

Investment by Tillydrone Community Development Trust will see the Wallace Tower reconfigured to provide a public hall and office space to further the activitires of the organisation while preserving a local landmark. A new extension clad in weathered CorTen steel will sit at the foot of the tower, providing level access and modern amenities with office accommodation pushed to the upper floors of the main tower.

In a design statement Tinto observed: "The proposal seeks to preserve the existing building and bring it back into use in a sustainable manner that will benefit the community. In order to provide additional facilities that will also provide a community benefit, the proposals are to extend the building to provide a modern multi-purpose space, which will contrast and complement the existing building. The extension will be subservient with a minimal connection and disruption to the historic building."

The tower was originally located in the city centre but was painstakingly disassembled and moved to its current home to make way for an enlarged M&S store. More recently it has found its way onto the Buildings at Risk Register after falling vacant for an extended period.  

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