The former Aberdeen casino property that went into liquidation after its alcohol licence was suspended is up for sale.

The Market Street property that housed the International Casino is expected to fetch more than £1 million.

George Stewart, one of the directors of International Development Company which ran the casino, said he was no longer interested in the industry and was ready for something different.

“The industry is over-regulated and it’s time to move on,” he said. “You come to a crossroads in your life and you take the next road.

“We did something, we invested a lot in it, but it’s time to get out.

“The industry is on its knees. The casinos are in the same position as the banks, effectively bust on paper.”

The casino’s licence was suspended for six months at a special hearing in July after Aberdeen’s licensing board ruled its bosses had shown “contempt” for new drink laws. Concerns were also raised during a police investigation into an alleged sexual assault at the premises earlier this year.

On July 19, Mr Stewart and his partner George Tester lodged a petition at the Court of Session in Edinburgh to wind up the business and in August it went into liquidation.

Mr Stewart said yesterday he expected the property, which is on the market with DM Hall for offers over £1million, to sell quite quickly.

“I would buy it myself for that price. There’s already been some interest.”

Chartered surveyor Matthew Park, who is dealing with the sale, agreed the property, which is a 19th-century listed building, would attract a “keen interest”.

“We are delighted to be involved in this,” he said. “It is a substantial property and primely located within the heart of Aberdeen.

“It has superb views of Aberdeen Harbour and is in the re-branded merchant quarter, a historic part of the city.

“There’s a mix of restaurants, bars, entertainment venues and shopping. The area is also rich in architecture. We are excited about this and we do anticipate a keen interest.”

Source: www.pressandjournal.co.uk

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