Properties are considered for sell-off
The future of buildings including the Municipal Buildings, Old Viewforth, Wolfcraig and the Argyll Centre is being reviewed as part of a rethink by Stirling Council of its property portfolio.
The council is looking at which of its buildings to keep for its own use and which to let or sell, with the possibility that some could be demolished to make way for housing.
The authority says the move is aimed at ensuring civic buildings provide the best value and deliver more opportunities for development, investment and regeneration across the Stirling area.
However, it is also wrapped up in their need to reduce running costs.
The buildings are included in a list of corporate properties at an “options - The money would secure access to the land needed to fulfil the revised masterplan requirements and enable ground investigations and design works.
In the longer term, civic space, a civic square, conservation and heritage centre, additional visitor attractions and more are envisaged for the quarter, bringing the city centre and the river together. appraisal” stage. Also featured are Teith House, Langgarth House, the district court, the Kerse Road depot, Lower Polmaise waste management centre and depots in Balfron, Doune and Dumgoyne.
At a meeting of the council’s finance and economy committee last week, councillors approved a new disposal procedure for (£200,000) - The initial capital allocation is aimed at developing “visible projects” that support economic growth in rural communities, particularly in relation to food and property that is identified as “surplus” which they were told would ensure maximum economic benefit.
Officials said the measures will help the council realise its economic ambitions for Stirling under the City Development Framework, by making sure its buildings contribute economically, and, where necessary, free up space for new or Ambition (£150,000) - The money will be spent on supporting short-term intensive consultancy work “to articulate the unique and authentic identity for Stirling”.
The new identity would also be showcased through “high-profile activity in and around key locations” such as bus and railway stations, plus through social media and a “champions’ programme”.
Officers told the committee: “Stirling’s CDF is progressing apace. The expanding businesses, promoting inward investment and increasing employment opportunities.
They added that changes to the way the council is structured, as well as a drive to hand more power over to communities, also meant the number of properties the council would need in future would reduce.
Under the new procedure, those buildings eventually identified as surplus may be sold or leased.
The council is also said to want to “make the most of ” those properties it retains and the way it manages its property portfolio.
Director of corporate operations, Gerard O’Sullivan, said: “By releasing those parts of the council estate that are identified as surplus, we can provide more space and opportunity for enterprise, whether that’s new businesses looking to launch themselves or more established ones aiming to expand, both bringing increased economic activity in their wake. It may also result in more sites being available for housing and so contribute to the wider regeneration agenda.
“The strategy approved by councillors this week aims to ensure that any decision to dispose of a council property is well considered, minimising risks in terms of future service delivery and taking proper consideration of any opportunities for regeneration or other development projects.”
Councillors at the meeting were told that the specific question of how community assets, including local offices and community halls, would be managed going forward would be the subject of a future report.