| Dundee company Redwood Leisure say they will await a decision by the council’s development quality committee before deciding whether to progress their housing plan or carry out a refurbishment of the nightclub.
Managing director Gordon Whiting said he was aware the nightclub was regarded by many local people as a “bad neighbour”.
He said his company would like to spend money upgrading the club, but it had been suggested to him that it “shouldn’t be there in the first place”.
Mr Whiting added, “If the council gives us the consent we are looking for, we will probably go down the housing line.
“We’re a local company which always tries to look after local interests.”
The planning application seeks permission for two blocks of flats. One would be a two-storey building of 12 flats constructed over ground level parking. The other block would extend to three-storeys, also with 12 flats.
Broughty Ferry architects Kerr Duncan McAllister have drawn up the plans and say the flats, which would enjoy views of the river, would be aimed at the “upper market range”.
It is anticipated that the application will be heard by the council’s development quality committee some time in the spring.
Jacques nightclub was taken over by Bett Inns in 2000. Redwood Leisure inherited the club in a management buy-out and has since taken steps to respond to complaints of excess noise and rowdy behaviour which some local people claim emanates from the club.
The club was extended and given a facelift two years ago, but it has struggled to shake off criticism.
Redwood Leisure said that Jacques had significantly increased the level of supervision by doormen and has succeeded in reducing problems to a minimum both inside and outside.
The club, in various guises, has been a fixture on the Esplanade since July 1896, when it opened as the Chalet Tea Rooms.
In some of its more recent forms, it has been The Sands, Buddies and The Atlantic. |
