ONE OF Aberdeen’s most distinctive buildings could soon disappear.
The huge former Shell HQ in Altens had been the home of hundreds of oil and gas workers for more than 40 years.
But, citing its outdated condition, the company decided to relocate in 2021.
Energy Voice says Shell has now revealed plans to demolish the ex-HQ following its move to the Silver Fin complex on Union Street.
Documents state it was “unlikely” that a new operator would take on a building of this size, age and state, and put it to good use.
They add: “Shell is proposing to demolish the buildings as their age, construction and floor plates do not lend themselves to an efficient or sustainable future use.
“The buildings are predominantly vacant and have been stripped of furnishings.
“There were no credible opportunities to reuse the buildings in their current form given their size.”
Shell opened its first Aberdeen office in Union Street in 1965, before moving to the Tullos site.
The distinctive building has been a familiar landmark since 1979.
Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher opened the Shell complex in September that year, as the oil industry began to boom in the Granite City.
30-acre site
The energy giant aims to demolish all of the buildings across the 30-acre site, a process which could take about a year.
Shell has hailed the move as an opportunity for possible new development in the area.
Bosses also reckon 90% of the material from the demolition can be reused or recycled.
