A second deal to sell a council-owned mansion and its large grounds has collapsed.
Blairvadach in Shandon has stood empty since 2015, when Argyll and Bute Council staff were transferred to new offices in Helensburgh.
The B-listed mansion is valued at £1.2m by the authority – though described as ‘dilapidated’ – and the council’s local development plan states that 112 homes can be built in the grounds.
A deal for the site fell through in 2018 but it was marketed again the following year, with a ‘preferred developer’ carrying out surveys last year.
But now it has been revealed that this developer has also pulled out.
Estates and property development manager David Allan says in a report to next week’s meeting of the council’s Helensburgh and Lomond area committee: ” Unfortunately the preferred developer confirmed in September 2020 that due to the significant impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and the resultant effect on the wider economy they would be unable to proceed with their proposed development.
“Accordingly their interest in the site has been terminated, which is a major disappointment particularly considering the delays in getting to this position, again caused by the pandemic stopping the site investigations for an extended period.
“On a more positive note, the developer who previously submitted the second best offer has confirmed that they remain interested in the site and discussions have commenced on a phased approach to the development.”
Four years ago an investigation by this website revealed that the council owned nearly 40 empty or disused buildings, valued in total at more than £3m, with Blairvadach the most expensive.
Subsequently there have been regular agenda reports on the issue and some buildings have been sold, but a report for last month’s budget meeting revealed that 22 sites or buildings were listed as ‘for disposal’ – three more than the previous year.
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