Sadly, the site has since fallen into serious disrepair with much of the complex — which extends to almost a hectare — being covered in graffiti and burnt out by various blazes caused by vandals.

A major section of roof on the west wing of the category B-listed building has collapsed in on itself and the site is littered with building debris.

Councillor Richard McCready, who represents the West End ward, said concerned constituents had raised the state of the site with him in the past.

He said he hoped the works could be redeveloped, either for housing or business use, in order to provide a sustainable future for the site itself and bring it into line with the wider area.

He said, “There has been a lot of regeneration in that area and this site is one of the bits that sticks out.

“It is a shame as, obviously, it is a historic building and it would be good to see what could be done to try to find a use for it.

“The area has been regenerated to some extent and this is one part that could really do with finding a sustainable long-term use.”

Fellow ward member, Councillor Fraser Macpherson, said he had previously raised concerns about the state of the site with the local authority.

He said it was a “great shame” to see a once vibrant site in such a dilapidated state and has asked the council what it can do to help.

He said, “I have continuing concerns about the state of the building and recently asked the city council’s head of planning about current building safety, as, clearly, a vacant building like this will deteriorate over time.

“I am anxious to see this historic building saved and brought back into a productive use.

“It is a great shame that it is lying in its current state and I have again requested that the city council’s legal manager considers steps the city could take to assist this.”

The site is looked after by a Dundee-based agent on behalf of the owners.

When the Tele contacted the agent, she asked not to be named in the Press and refused to divulge the identity of the owners.

However, she agreed the site was in a “very bad way” and said attempts had been made to sell the property on for redevelopment over the years.

She said the owners did carry out regular maintenance and had made strenuous efforts to secure the site from intruders.

She said, “It is in a very bad way — there is no doubt about that — but we have it as secure as possible to keep out vandals.

“I have had several people over the years contact me about the site and just before the ‘crunch’ — when the banks stopped lending any money — I had people very interested. It was all more or less fixed, then they backed out.”

The agent added that the property remains for sale, but only at the right price.

She said, “If somebody comes along with the correct offer, I’m sure my people would be very interested.”