The three-storey building has stood empty for many years and has fallen into serious disrepair. West Highland first looked at keeping the existing structure and converting it into homes. Detailed surveys showed the building was unsafe and could not be saved, so the decision was taken to look at replacing it with a new build.

Full planning permission has now been granted to demolish the existing structure and build a new four-storey building on the site. West Highland has appointed George Beattie & Sons Ltd to carry out the demolition, which will take place over the next few months. Construction is currently expected to begin in early 2027.

The proposals were developed in close partnership with Argyll and Bute Council and the Scottish Government.

The project comes as Argyll and Bute continues to respond to the housing emergency the council declared in 2023. With land for new homes in short supply around Oban, putting an existing town centre site to good use matters all the more.

Brett Sadler, chief executive of West Highland Housing Association, said: “Taking ownership of the Campbell Street building is an important milestone for West Highland Housing Association and for Oban. It has been empty for a long time, and I know many people in the town will be glad to see work getting under way.

“We had hoped to keep parts of the original building, but once we understood its condition it was clear a new build was the right way forward. From the start, our aim has been to work in partnership with Argyll and Bute Council and the Scottish Government to find a future for the site that improves this part of the town centre and helps meet the real need for affordable housing locally.”