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Friday, May 05, 2023

300 year old Aberdeen building gets a face lift

International property consultants Knight Frank, have just completed a stone survey on the second largest granite building in the world ahead of a major restoration project to bring the historic Marischal College in Aberdeen back to its former glory.

Aberdeen City Council commissioned a complete stone and asbestos survey of Marischal College, which is currently owned by Aberdeen University, to assess the gothic-style building for its new headquarters.

Knight Frank's Aberdeen Building Consultancy Department undertook all of the stone survey work and arranged a fully intrusive type three asbestos survey. A video survey was also arranged of all elevated and unreachable areas of the building such as the spires and towers.

The condition survey of the stonework which took a month to complete, reported on the building's condition, including all fixtures and mortar joints. The report quantifies all repairs into three categories; urgent repairs, repairs needed within one to three years and those over three years.

Founded in 1593 by the 5th Earl Marischal of Scotland, the historic building has been uninhabited for almost nine years and requires extensive restoration and refurbishment. The report concluded that the stonework is in good condition for its age but, as anticipated, some repairs would need to be made.

Following conclusion of negotiations with Aberdeen University, Aberdeen City Council will undertake the required repair works indicated in the survey. This will involve restoration of the impressive building and a complete refurbishment of the interior for office purposes.