Former Stirling care home to be transformed into new housing after council approves sale
The sale of a former Stirling care home has been approved by the council, with plans now in place to tranform it into a new residential development. It comes after a 'marketing exercise' that saw multiple bids place on the building.
Stirling Council sanctioned the sale of the former Beech Gardens care home, off Polmaise Road in Torbrex. It sits within the boundaries of the listed Batterflatts House and was custom-built as a care facility.
During a recent council meeting, it was agreed that Urban Nest Scotland Ltd should be named as the favoured bidder, with plans to repurpose the site into a private residential development while honouring the conservation area's distinct heritage.
Located near Batterflatts House and a children's nursery, the property has been unoccupied since the opening of the Stirling Care Village and was briefly used again during the Covid pandemic before reverting to council ownership.
Cllr Gerry McGarvey, Leader of Stirling Council, this week said: "The sale of Beech Gardens will unlock the potential of a site that has served the community in different ways over the years.
"This carefully considered disposal will not only help reduce the council's property holding costs but also enable new housing opportunities within a sensitive and historically significant location.
"This outcome not only ensures best value for the public but also helps meet Stirling's future housing needs in a sustainable, community-focused way."
In a report tabled before councillors at the special meeting, officials said: 'Since the pandemic, the property has attracted interest from several parties, from within the council, and a formal asset transfer request was subsequently withdrawn.
'Current running costs for 2024-2025 were £32,953, which includes £11,641 of rates, £6,404 standing charges on utilities, and £14,908 on security.
'An external marketing agent was appointed to market several council-owned surplus properties and development sites, including Beech Gardens.'
The report added: 'Given its position as the most financially advantageous and that it is not subject to any suspensive conditions, it is recommended that Urban Nest Scotland Limited's offer be taken forward as the preferred bidder.
'Urban Nest Scotland Ltd proposes to develop the site for private housing and is in a position to progress with the conclusion of missives on the council approval.
'Urban Nest has held initial discussions with the Planning team regarding their development plans.
'This disposal will result in the release of the property, the achievement of the capital receipt, and the reduction of revenue budget pressure in this fiscal year.'
In 2009, Beech Gardens became the focal point of a local campaign aimed at preventing its closure amid threatened council cuts.
The vigorous campaign initially saved it from the axe, but over time its use diminished and it served as respite care accommodation for a while.
At the closing date in March, there were five offers received, ranging from £150,000 to £500,000. Two offers had no suspensive conditions, or the offer was unconditional.
Two offers were subject to either condition surveys or title and site services investigations.
One offer was subject to obtaining satisfactory funding.
Beech Gardens was one of several surplus sites marketed as part of the council's proactive approach to support delivery of a more efficient, sustainable property portfolio in line with national guidance on public sector asset management.
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