Woolmanhill Hospital: Former Porter's Lodge, Woolmanhill, Aberdeen

Probably W & J Smith and Kelly (H Saxon Snell acting as consultant), 1887-97. Single storey, square plan neo-classical former porter's lodge, part of a significant nineteenth century hospital complex in Aberdeen city centre. Channelled granite. Base course, moulded eaves course with blocking course above. Entrance to north elevation with 2-leaf timber and glazed doors and 4-pane rectangular fanlight. Some blocks openings. 6-pane glazing in timber sash and case windows.

Statement of Special Interest
The Porter's Lodge is an important ancillary component of the former Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, which is a rare example of a hospital that has not been significantly altered externally since the late nineteenth century. The good neo-classical detailing of the building has been directly inspired by the earlier Simpson Pavilion, to which the lodge is immediately adjacent.

The former Royal Infirmary complex consists of a 1833-40 neo-classical building by Archibald Simpson with later nineteenth century buildings to the rear, on a confined gusset site in Aberdeen city centre. This hospital replaced the earlier Aberdeen Infirmary by William Christall, which opened in 1742, and was demolished on completion of the Simpson Pavilion.

In 1887 a major extension and reconstruction scheme commenced at the Aberdeen Royal Infirmary site. Known as the Jubilee Extension Scheme (as the Queen's Jubilee provided an opportunity to raise funds) new building were erected to the north part of the site to increase medical facilities at the hospital. The lodge is first evident on the 2nd edition Ordnance Survey map and therefore it is likely to have been constructed as part of the Jubilee scheme designed by W & J Smith and Kelly, with Henry Saxon Snell as consultant.

After the First World War there was urgent need to increase the facilities of the Infirmary. The confined nature of the Woolmanhill site did not lend itself to expansion and in 1923 a site at Forresterhill was acquired with the foundation stone of the new hospital laid in 1928. Although the future of the Woolmanhill site was uncertain from this date, it has remained in operation until 2013.

Previously listed as part of "Aberdeen Royal Infirmary Woolmanhill".
(Historic Environment Scotland List Entry)

11 April 2013: STV News reports on the decision to close Woolmanhill Hospital, potentially by the end of 2013. No mention is made of a plan for the A-listed building complex, but potentially the NHS Trust may commence marketing of the site for sale later in the year. For Investigation.

5 March 2019: External inspection finds the building vacant and disused but in overall Fair condition. There are some broken and boarded windows. Rainwater goods and timber elements are in need of repair and maintenance. There are some high level vegetation growths. Consent is being sought for the conversion including demolitions, alterations and extensions etc, of the hospital to create residential apartments and hotel accommodation, ref: 160801. Move to At Risk.

December 2019: Member of public has advised that listed building consent (160801) for redevelopment of the hospital site has now been conditionally approved.

12 May 2021: Buildings at Risk understand that redevelopment of former hospital site has been on hold as consequence of COVID-19 pandemic.

13 October 2021: Press and Journal report (06/10/2021) that hotel plans for Woolmanhill will be reviewed at the end of 2022.

19 November 2021: The Press and Journal report (17/11/2021) that concerns have been raised of rat infestation at the hospital and that a vermin specialist has been appointed to help with the problem.

30 June 2022: External inspection finds the building remains disused. The flat roof and concealed rainwater goods could not be assessed. The rear elevation was not visible. From what could be viewed, the walls are plumb, there are some signs of dampness at base of walls. The cornice is damp in places with minor vegetation growth. Openings are boarded over. Condition moved to Fair from Poor. As noted previously Listed Building Consent was conditionally approved in 2019 for conversion of the former porters lodge to form a support building to the hotel to be created within an adjacent building, as part of a wider redevelopment of the hospital site.