Plans to transform a former Royal Bank of Scotland branch in Broughty Ferry into a high-end cocktail bar have been refused by Dundee City Council.
The proposal, lodged by Graham Bradley, owner of Dundee’s Craigie Bar, sought to convert the disused RBS building on Brook Street into a stylish venue named “Vault.” The project promised a £300,000 investment and aimed to repurpose the site into a feature-rich cocktail bar, retaining elements such as original safes and the vault door.
However, councillors rejected the application after 14 objections were raised, including those from the Broughty Ferry Community Council. Local residents expressed concerns about potential late-night noise, antisocial behaviour, and the venue’s proximity to housing. The council’s planning officials concluded that the proposal did not align with the local development plan guiding growth in the area until 2029.
Despite six letters of support praising the potential for job creation and economic activity, the council stressed the importance of maintaining residential amenity and community balance. The case is now expected to be reviewed again following an appeal submitted by the developer.
If successful, “Vault” would join an emerging wave of upmarket venues looking to bring a more metropolitan cocktail scene to Dundee’s waterfront suburb.
