J&E Shepherd, one of the largest independent firms of chartered surveyors in the UK, has been appointed by Springfield Properties Group to help restore a tenement block in Dundee to its original Victorian splendour.

In a rare example of a private landlord investing significantly in urban regeneration, Springfield Properties has invested a sum in excess of £500,000 in restoring the long-neglected Union Place in the West End of Dundee to its former glory, to the benefit of residents and neighbours and to the approval of the West End Community Council.

Paul Letley, managing partner at J&E Shepherd, said, “This ambitious project was made possible by the fact that, after years of decay and having and changed hands amongst various owners on numerous occasions, eight of the nine tenements in the block finally came under the ownership of one landlord willing to make a long-term investment in landscaping features and period detail, such as wrought iron fencing on stone walls.

“The project has transformed Union Place and returned a former prestigious street in the west end of Dundee to its former glory after years of neglect.”

Amongst the work undertaken has been a general overhaul of the fabric of the building – including the roof, gutters, down pipes and stone – the replacement of all window with new double glazed units carefully chosen to reflect the original style and stain glass panels installed in staircases.

To the rear of the building, meanwhile, back gardens were spruced up and divided with proper two metres high fences whilst, to the front, all rubble and concrete slabs were removed and replaced with cobbled footpaths running as a ramp from the close to the street. A secure entry system has been installed, all the closes have been painted and, finally, shrubs will be planted this month.

Work has now begun on installing new kitchens, bathrooms, central heating systems and rewiring in all the flats, which will also all be redecorated extensively.

Meanwhile, Springfield Properties Group recently submitted plans to reinstate 12 three bedroom flats to the original 24 flats on the basis that the existing 12 flats are presently suitable for multiple occupation only, which is not the preferred option of either the other tenants or neighbours.

With the restoration work at Union Place having started in summer 2007, it is scheduled for completion this summer.