Stewart Milne Developments, part of the Stewart Milne Group, have acquired the historic site at Triple Kirks in Aberdeen from Esson Properties, the Aberdeen based property development and investment company.

Built in 1843, the red-bricked A-listed Triple Kirks tower and spire, which sits on the site, has been lying derelict since the 1970’s.

It was Scotland’s only example of a single building housing three churches for three congregations and was considered the masterpiece of architect Archibald Simpson.

In 1999 Esson obtained planning consent for an £11 million redevelopment of the site and that was one of the many attempts over the years to breath life back into the site.

Although the terms of the deal remain undisclosed, it is understood that Stewart Milne Group intend to lodge a planning application in the near future.

The Stewart Milne Group has a burgeoning reputation in the commercial property market having successfully developed Union Plaza, formerly a car park, which has attracted a number of quality tenants and completes in May.

The Commercial Property Division of Stewart MiIne Group is led by Malcolm Deans who said: “We are currently developing our proposals for this acquisition, and expect to take a scheme to planning for a Grade A office development before the end of 2008. Triple Kirks will provide a unique office environment in the very heart of the city with superb views over Union Terrace Gardens”.

The building will be completed to a very high standard, in keeping with its prime location. The development is in the immediate vicinity of the Bon Accord and St Nicholas centres and close to Union Street, giving staff access to the city’s main shopping facilities. A number of Aberdeen's most striking buildings, the Art Gallery, His Majesty's Theatre and Central Library are also close by.

A spokesperson for Esson said, “The redevelopment of the Triple Kirks site together with other proposals such as the new art centre planned for Union Terrace can be a catalyst for the regeneration of an attractive and vibrant city centre which is imperative for the economic prosperity of not only Aberdeen itself but for the whole of the northeast of Scotland.”

Stewart Milne Group believe commercial property is a key area for growth and Deans concluded: “Union Plaza created a great template for our Board to assess the potential for expansion in commercial property in the Grampian Region and we are actively pursuing other opportunities.”

16 May 2008