Proposed plans to transform the city centre shopping complex were initially unveiled during December 2024, The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee) reports. 

At that time, owners Dundee 1881 Limited, who had bought the building during April 2024 commented that the complex was “failing both financially and structurally”.

They were looking to regenerate the area into what was termed the “Keiller Quarter”, which would be a combination of commercial space and student accommodation.

Early last year, two public consultations took place and the developers were hoping a full planning application would be submitted during spring, that same year. 

But no application was in sight and the Keiller Centre closed in December.

The developers have now officially lodged their proposals with Dundee City Council.

The developers said in a supporting statement that the Keiller Centre would be knocked down for the delivery of a 318-bedroom student accommodation block.

The proposed development would be six storeys and would have two commercial units. 

The developers claim that knocking down the Keiller Centre and having student flats in its place would help boost the “vitality and viability” of the retail services in the city centre. 

In 1979, the Keiller Shopping Centre was built on the site of the ex-Keiller confectionery factory, which closed in 1971. 

The shopping arcade closed in 2025, after seeing an ongoing period of decline. 

It was sold in January 2004 for £3.75 million and it was later sold again for £5.1m in December 2005.

But in April 2024 Dundee 1881 Limited bought the centre, but on this occasion the deal was worth £750,000.

New student homes would help to deliver tourist accommodation in the city centre during the summer period, supporting the wider city centre economy as well as tourist attractions.