An update to the council’s finance, economy and culture committee highlighted significant progress across a number of key sites.

The council’s property disposal programme aims to ensure that buildings no longer required for operational purposes are either brought back into productive use through sale or lease, or redeveloped in ways that support local communities and economic growth.

Income has been secured from the successful disposal of the former Beech Gardens care home in Torbex; the Cowane Centre in Stirling; the former Croftamie Nursery and the Wolfcraig office building in Stirling. Together, these have contributed to the £1.16m capital receipt achieved this year.

There is also progress on several high-profile regeneration opportunities including the Viewforth site and land next to Forthside Bridge both in Stirling.

The Viewforth site includes the land and assets in and around Old Viewforth (excluding the Old Viewforth building but including Langgarth House), as well as Burghmuir Road, Linden Avenue car park and the former Wellgreen Care Home. The preferred bidder for the eight-hectare site has a conditional legal agreement that is close to conclusion. A planning application for the site is expected around July this year, marking a significant milestone in its future redevelopment.

The land adjacent to Forthside Bridge in Stirling, identified as an ‘urban riverside living site’ was placed on the market in August 2025 and offers were received in November. The council is working with its agent to finalise a preferred bidder recommendation, which will be presented to a future meeting of councillors.

Cllr Gerry McLaughlan, convener for the Finance, Economy and Culture Committee, said: “The property disposal programme ensures that buildings and land no longer needed by the council are either used for other purposes or redeveloped in a way that delivers best value for our communities.

“It enables us to reduce ongoing costs for maintenance, security, insurance and utilities at these sites, and brings them back into productive use for communities, supporting regeneration efforts. 

“Securing over £1m in capital receipts this year shows real progress and delivers much-needed funding to support wider council services.

“It’s vital that we keep our property portfolio under constant review so that our assets are delivering best value for the public pound and that our buildings are fit to serve the community and support our employees to deliver services.”

The council is also focusing on the reuse of buildings. A lease for the former Balfron local office has just been concluded and lease agreements have been agreed for the former Cowie community centre, Dunblane Burgh Chambers and East Argyll Centre in the Braehead area of Stirling. The Ochil Centre in Stirling is currently on the market.

Cllr McLaughlan said: “This is an important part of the programme as leasing out under-used buildings for other uses can bring considerable community benefits. A great example is the 1314 Boxing Club, who have taken on the lease for the East Argyle Centre in Braehead after years of searching for a permanent base.

“The club, which is run by boxing enthusiasts, is now providing classes for local young men and women at the centre and are already supporting a WBO world youth champion in club member Colin Cairney.”

Councillors heard that St Kessog’s in Callander remains a priority site due to its heritage and community significance. Marketing has been undertaken in line with a planning brief prepared by the Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park Authority, which safeguards its recognised community asset status.

Although a previously accepted offer was withdrawn, renewed marketing has generated both community and commercial interest. Council officers are currently assessing offers received following a February 2026 closing date and will continue to work closely with local elected members and the local community to secure a sustainable future for the building while maintaining its fabric.

Cllr McLaughlan added: “I am glad that a number of offers have been received for St Kessog’s and look forward to seeing this iconic building returned to use as quickly as possible.”

Other key developments include the former Strathendrick care home in Balfron which has planning permission granted for demolition and the construction of six houses. The former District Court in Stirling was marketed last year and a final agreement is expected early in the new financial year.