Stirling Council has generated £1.16 million in capital receipts during the 2025-26 financial year as part of its ongoing initiative to dispose of surplus properties. The programme aims to ensure that buildings no longer required for operational use are either sold, leased, or redeveloped to support local regeneration and reduce maintenance and security costs.

According to an update provided to the council's finance, economy and culture committee, several key disposals have contributed to this year's total. These include the former Beech Gardens care home in Torbrex, the Cowane Centre in Stirling, the former Croftamie Nursery, and the Wolfcraig office building.

Progress is also being made on high-profile sites, including:

• The Viewforth Site: A legal agreement with a preferred bidder for this eight-hectare site is nearing conclusion. A planning application for the redevelopment, which includes Langgarth House and the former Wellgreen Care Home, is expected around July this year.

• Forthside Bridge: Identified as an 'urban riverside living site', this land was marketed in August 2025. Council officers are currently finalising a recommendation for a preferred bidder following offers received in November.

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• St Kessog's, Callander: This heritage site remains a priority. Following a closing date in February 2026, officers are assessing fresh interest from both commercial and community sectors to secure a sustainable future for the building.

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 £1 million 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 prioritising the reuse of buildings through new lease agreements. Successful tenancies have been concluded or agreed for the former Balfron local office, Cowie community centre, Dunblane Burgh Chambers, and the East Argyll Centre.

Regarding the community impact of these leases, Cllr McLaughlan added: "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."

Further developments include the former Strathendrick care home in Balfron, which has received planning permission for six new houses following demolition. Additionally, a final agreement for the former District Court in Stirling is expected early in the upcoming financial year.