Old Budz Bar to transform into crazy golf venue with pizzeria and nightclub
£2 million is being invested in the long-term vacant unit
The former Budz Bar in the city centre could be turned into a mixed leisure centre as plans are put before Aberdeen City Councillors.
The proposals, which have been submitted by Alpha Bravo Investments - jointly owned by Luxous and Brufab - would see more than £2 million invested into the project to transform the vacant building at 419-421 Union Street.
The building has been vacant for 16 years and offers 17,000 square feet over three-and-a-half floors.
What the plans involve
Plans show the basement will be taken on as a separate business entity, Four One Nine - a high-end cocktail bar. If approved, it would be aimed at the 30 plus age range and feature live music and a selection of extravagant cocktails.
Option are also being considered for the integration of Tarragon restaurant within the facility.
Outside, the main frontage will be on Union Street and there will be a secondary entrance to Four One Nine at the rear of the building from Justice Mill Lane.
Glitch Golf will occupy the floors above and promises to be a 'crazy golf venue with a difference' - featuring four nine-hole golf courses each with a different theme, where golfers will be able to play interactive games such as roulette and Check 4 by golfing.
A purpose-built restaurant complete with wood-burning pizza ovens will also be located within the building named Project Pizza.
A leisure centre that caters 'for all'
Allan Smith, managing director of Luxous, is a committed supporter of the rejuvenation of Union Street. The local design and fabrication company designed and built the Aberdeen Big Letters, currently located in the Castlegate.
Mr Smith said
“This offers a completely new entertainment experience for the city which will cater for all ages from families with children to people looking for something different to do on a day or night out. There is still capacity in terms of space so we are considering the addition of a huge, family-themed “the floor is lava” game or some high-end golf simulators.
“We are specialists in design and manufacturing, mostly building hospitality businesses in the city, providing everything from upholstery to bars and lighting for some of Aberdeen’s best-known restaurants and bars, so we have worked closely with the hospitality industry for many years,” said Mr Smith.
“We are looking forward to stepping over into the operational side of the sector and are intent on building a great team with plenty of experience.”
Bruce Porter, managing director of Brufab Fabrication and Waterjetting said:
“We are very excited about the plans we have put in place for Glitch and Four One Nine. This is such a landmark venue, sitting right in the heart of the city. It has been empty for far too long and we see this as a great opportunity for helping bring Union Street back to life.
“Right from the start of this project, we have been committed to using the natural space to create something completely distinct for Aberdeen with these two very distinct entertainment venues.”
Adrian Watson, chief executive of Aberdeen Inspired, said the commitment to investing in a new business venture was a sign of confidence in the future of the city centre.
“This is exactly the type of project we need to help bring life and vibrancy back into the city centre,” he said. “Union Street is blessed some fantastic buildings which have lain idle and unloved for far too long. We hope that proposals such as this will act as a catalyst which will encourage more business ventures to appreciate the fantastic potential for growth and development available to them by locating on Union Street.
“The Glitch proposal will not only rejuvenate a vacant property, but it will also bring a completely new leisure experience to the city for both residents and visitors.”
The planning application which has been lodged with the city’s planning department will be considered in due course. If approved, work would begin almost immediately.