Mandale Homes submits plans to convert Ruby House in Aberdeen into dozens of flats

English developers Mandale Homes has submitted plans to convert the 1970s office block Ruby House in Aberdeen into 65 flats.The building, located off Silver Street, has been used as government offices and as the local home of the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC).However, now, just one of the eight suites is occupied and only on a short-term basis.The building was sold at auction last June after being put on the market about two years ago.If approved, the concrete block designed in the “brutalist” style, would be divided into three one-bedroom studio apartments, 49 one-bedroom flats and 13 with two bedrooms. Plans also include a 32-space car park and a bicycle storage area.Architects ELG Planning has quoted the council’s masterplan ambitions for the city centre in seeking approval – with the desire to create “good quality housing” in the area.They added that the proposal will “encourage the promotion of Aberdeen city centre as an energetic place and assist in strengthening the city centre economy”.The developers have highlighted the recently approved scheme to turn nearby Denburn House, overlooking Union Terrace Gardens, into a hotel and apartment block, The Press and Journal reports. Mandale Homes had plans approved to turn the Custom House building on Guild Street into apartments rubberstamped in 2019.