A DEVELOPMENT site with planning permission for more than 60 homes at Kilmacolm has been acquired by Greenock businessmen Sandy and James Easdale.
Balrossie has been purchased by the family for an undisclosed sum.
Proposals for 64 residential units within the former Balrossie House and grounds were approved some years ago. The value of the development will be more than £20million once completed.
Balrossie House was built in 1899 by the Sailor’s Orphans Society of Scotland and later became a residential school. Spanning approximately 30.6 acres, the site has lain vacant since 2004 and has fallen into disrepair.
Under the currently approved plans, the existing main building — which is Category B-listed — would be converted into 12 two to three-bedroom apartments, with three of the historic structure’s facades being retained.
An annexe building would be adapted into two four-bedroom semi-detached houses and a distinctive water tower would be turned into a three-bedroom residence also.
Forty-nine houses are proposed for the grounds. These will be a mixture of three, four and five-bedroom detached and semi-detached properties.
Sandy Easdale said: “We are thrilled to have the opportunity to take forward the Balrossie site and bring it back to life. Our vision is to create a high-quality residential community that respects the heritage of the site while providing much-needed housing for the area. This is a long-term project that will revitalise the site and create lasting value for the community.
“Kilmacolm is known for its scenic beauty and strong sense of community and by creating new housing, we aim to enhance what is already a fantastic place to live.”
The purchase of Balrossie adds to Sandy and James Easdale’s growing portfolio of residential and commercial developments in Scotland. These include 850 homes being built on a 130-acre site at the former Tullis Russell papermill in Glenrothes and the rejuvenation of the 70-acre former IBM site in Greenock, with planning consent in place for 450 homes. Work is also well underway at the former St Michael’s Primary School site in Dumbarton, with 81 new family homes under construction.
Sandy Easdale continued: “We take pride in regenerating sites across Scotland and Balrossie is a perfect example of a place that can add real value to Kilmacolm with the right vision. We are committed to delivering homes that are built to the highest standards, ensuring that they complement the unique character of the village.
“The acquisition represents another key milestone in our ongoing investment and growth strategy across Scotland. We are committed to creating developments that not only provide a new future for landmark sites but also drive forward economic and social regeneration.”
Alan Stewart at Breck Property Consultants acted on behalf of the purchaser, with Balrossie marketed for the vendor by Knight Frank.
