Budget hotel chain Point A plans Aberdeen opening

Budget hotel chain Point A is set to expand its Scottish operations after plans to convert a city centre office building were approved by Aberdeen City Council.

The budget hotel chain, part of the Queensway Group, was named as the building occupier in proposals to convert Denburn House in Union Terrace into a separate hotel and aparthotel, the Aberdeen Evening Press reports.

The 121-bedroom hotel and 57-studio aparthotel would feature a fitness suite and guest laundry to support longer stays. A reception and front of house space, office accommodation, staff changing rooms, kitchen and laundry rooms were also included in the plans.

The majority of the existing building will be retained, including the original stone Union Terrace frontage, side elevations and windows.

Aberdeen City Council planners have approved the detailed planning application, subject to conditions.

These include the provision of bin storage and on-site recycling facilities. Covered cycle storage must also be provided and the stained glass logos of the Aberdeen County office must be protected and incorporated into the new front of house space.

In the council's report, planners said: "It is considered that the proposed change of use of the listed building from office to hotel/aparthotel use would have no detrimental impact on the amenity of the surrounding area.

"Due consideration has been given to the proposed external alterations to the building, thereby ensuring the development has no adverse effect on the character of the surrounding conservation area, and that the special interest of the listed building is suitably preserved."

The application also suggests the plan aligns with the council's desire to see more hotels in the city.

It said: "Albeit the masterplan does not specifically identify Denburn House for redevelopment or alternative use, the fact that Denburn House is within the city centre, falls within the masterplan area and the application proposals directly align with the council aspiration for more hotels in the city lead to the conclusion that the proposal is in line with and accords with the aspirations of the city centre masterplan."

Point A, which is owned by family-owned hospitality business Queensway Group, currently operates seven hotels in London and one in Glasgow.

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