Lower Dens, Hotel Indigo, Dundee

Renovation and conversion of the North Mill and Bell Mill buildings which form part of the Category A listed former Lower Dens Works into a 4-star boutique hotel, whilst preserving the industrial heritage and historical significance of the buildings for the enjoyment and understanding of future generations. The development is located to the east of Dundee City centre and was the southernmost part of Lower Dens Works. Owned by the Baxter Brothers, the facility was at one time the largest linen factory in the world.

The North Mill and Bell Mill buildings are Category A Listed. Bell Mill, St Roques Lane (1866); and North Mill, Princes Street (1935).

Renovation works to the building envelope involved the installation of new timber windows, screens & doors, whilst matching the existing ‘crittall’ style and satisfying the thermal and acoustic requirements dictated by the brand operator and statutory authorities. New openings were created for windows and doors as necessary to suit purpose of the new hotel use. The stonework was repaired and replaced where necessary, whilst the roof was completely replaced with a combination of slate, to match existing, and single ply roofing membrane system to the satisfaction of the planning department.

Internally, the existing stairs and hoists were removed, and new stairs and lifts were introduced in locations required to satisfy the statutory requirements for escape and fire fighting purposes. Existing features were exposed where possible. This is particularly evident in the guestrooms, where the existing brick jack arch soffits are exposed in the sleeping areas.