New hope for rural retirement village
Developer lodges plans for A-listed house and estate
An environmental probe is to be launched in a bid to finally find a new use for a ruined country mansion.
Plans have been lodged to turn the old Caldwell Estate outside Uplawmoor into a retirement village.
The A- listed Caldwell House would be turned into flats for the over-55 age group under the proposals.
In total, around 100 homes are planned, including new- build bungalows within the 159 acre landholding.
Developer Scott Kennedy is behind the £15million plan.
He said: “We don’t agree Caldwell House, one of East Renfrewshire’s most famous buildings, should be abandoned and left to rack and ruin.
“The Caldwell Estate will be cared for in a way that it has not been for decades, making it a green resource for the whole community.
“In terms of construction and ongoing employment, the redevelopment of Caldwell House can play a major role in providing jobs and stimulating local enterprise.”
Plans also include a 60-bed care home, offices and meeting rooms,a café, gym, shop, hairdresser and beauty salon.
It is expected that up to 200 construction jobs would be created, with around 85 full and part-time posts, including carers, at the retirement village once it is completed.
The development will also have a 5km network of paths and 110 acres of woodland.
Designed by architect Robert Adam in the 1770s, Caldwell House was the family home of William Mure of Caldwell and was converted into a hospital by the Govan District Health Board in 1927.
It was later used as a children’s home until 1985, before being hit by two fires.
Scott, a director of Caldwell Developments, is hopeful a change in the local development plan for the area will encourage East Renfrewshire Council to give its backing.
A council spokesman said: “We have asked for an environmental impact assessment.”