Two plots of land currently owned by Stirling Council could soon be sold to housing developers as part of a move to alleviate financial pressures facing the local authority. Council officers have recommended the sale of a site located at Forthside, adjacent to the former Ministry of Defence property that is set to be transformed into Stirling Studios, as well as the former Beech Gardens care home in the Torbrex area. A special full meeting of the council is scheduled for June 5, where members will decide on these proposals.

The Forthside site, spanning 0.724 hectares, has been earmarked for residential development, with the potential for approximately 120 homes, including a mix of private and affordable housing. The council has indicated that while there is "potential" for developments such as student accommodation or retirement living, the focus is largely inclined towards family homes. If the council approves the sale, it is anticipated that the land will enter the market by June 25, although finalisation of the sale may not occur until the following year.

The proposed sale of the Beech Gardens care home aims to relieve the ongoing budget pressure of approximately £32,953 per annum related to its maintenance. This pressure breaks down into costs for rates, utilities, and security. Urban Nest Scotland Ltd. is interested in acquiring the Beech Gardens site, having already submitted one of five bids that ranged from £150,000 to £500,000. According to council officers, the disposal of this property would not only yield a capital receipt for the council but also significantly reduce the revenue burden within this fiscal year.

This move comes on the heels of Stirling Council's recent acquisition of a substantial 36-acre area at Forthside from the Ministry of Defence, completed for £5 million. Funded by a UK Government grant as part of the Stirling and Clackmannanshire City Region Deal, this acquisition is poised to create thousands of jobs and transform Forthside into a flourishing economic zone. The master plan for this redevelopment includes around 300 new homes and extensive improvements to infrastructure, catering to both residential and commercial needs.

Moreover, the master plan, which has received broad support from local residents and businesses, envisions enhancements to green spaces and access routes along the River Forth. The construction of Stirling Studios is set to play a central role in this vision, providing a creative hub that could generate significant employment opportunities within the film and television sectors and catalyse further development in the region.

As the council prepares to consider these property sales, the broader Forthside development plan continues to gain momentum, promising substantial changes to the landscape of Stirling and its economic prospects. If successful, these initiatives could redefine the area, potentially setting the stage for Stirling to emerge as an attractive destination for both residents and businesses alike.

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Source: Noah Wire Services