The subjects comprise a primarily two storey cream sandstone building with pitched hipped slated roof with the facade being Category C listed. There is a 2 storey brick rendered extension with flat felt roof to the east of the building, as well as a single storey brick rendered extension with pitched tiled roof to the rear of the main building. The property was formerly the home of the Council’s Institute Hall, Library, changing rooms and old person’s cabin.
The property requires refurbishment and indeed upgrading will be required to modernise the accommodation for any proposed use. In this regard it should be noted that there is asbestos present within the artex of the Library, which will need to be addressed by prospective purchasers when considering their proposals for the building and determining the level of offer to be made.
The Council offers the property to the market in its current condition and state of repair. The Council will not be responsible for any deterioration in the condition of the property between the date of offer and date of settlement.
SERVICES
It is understood that all mains services are located close by; however, East Ayrshire Council does not guarantee the adequacy of any services and advises all prospective purchasers to contact the relevant utility companies to satisfy themselves as to the position/location and condition of any services and, their suitability for future use. It is recommended that prospective purchasers contact Scottish Water as many developments have been known to be heavily constrained in terms of connection to the drainage network.
Location
Set right in the middle of Avenue Square, in the historic heart of Stewarton, the property is centrally located, as shown on the attached marketing plan, with a mixture of mainly residential and retail premises within the area.
The property is strategically located within easy reach of Kilmarnock and Irvine. It has excellent rail connections to Glasgow, which is now also easily accessible via the M77. As such the property is also within easy reach of both Glasgow Prestwick and Glasgow International Airports.
Stewarton, located 6 miles north of Kilmarnock, is a thriving commuter town, with a population of 7,065 (2011 Census), which has undergone rapid expansion in recent years.
Nestling in attractive countryside, Stewarton has a lively community, served well by a large range of individually owned shops, a supermarket, pubs and coffee shops. With a state of the art sports centre, popular secondary school and thriving social scene, it has become increasingly popular with families and commuters and demand for property in the area is strong.
Accommodation
The accommodation within the main building and two storey extension comprises;
- Library and ancillary accommodation on ground floor extending to 215 sq m, or thereby;
- Institute Hall, changing rooms, ancillary accommodation and Lesser Hall on first floor extending to 312 sq m or thereby;
- Former Old Persons Cabin located within rear extension extending to 76 sq m or thereby;
- Former Caretakers’ flat; located on the ground floor comprising living room, 2 bedrooms, kitchen and bathroom, with gas central heating.
Terms
OFFERS
Offers in the region of £125,000 are invited.
Details of the prospective purchaser’s development proposals for the subjects should accompany any offer.
Offers for the subjects must be submitted in a tender envelope and returned to the Solicitor to the Council, East Ayrshire Council Headquarters, London Road, Kilmarnock.
USE
The Head of Planning and Economic Development has advised that the subjects are not safeguarded or identified for any particular development purpose within the adopted East Ayrshire Local Plan.
The Institute Hall and Library is a Category C Listed building and lies within the Stewarton Conservation Area within Stewarton Town Centre. Any physical changes or alterations to the property should be of the highest design quality and be in keeping with the character and appearance of the building itself and the wider conservation area.
Planning Permission was previously considered for the development of two 3 bedroomed Townhouses and eight flatted dwellings (six 2 bedroomed and two 1 bedroomed). This would have been acceptable to Planning subject to a Section 75 (Developer Contributions) agreement being agreed and entered into. Please refer to http://eplanning.east-ayrshire.gov.uk/online/ (application reference 12/0250).
Planning Permission has been granted for the change of use of the subjects to a commercial and residential use comprising a Gymnasium and two Town Houses. Please refer to http://eplanning.east-ayrshire.gov.uk/online/ (application reference 14/0641).
It is considered that any alternative uses of the premises falling within the classes of development as detailed in Schedule 5 of the local plan could be acceptable. These comprise; Class 1 Shops; Class 2 financial, professional and other services; Class 3 food and drink; Class 11 assembly and leisure; and some miscellaneous sui-generis uses (public houses, amusement centres, day care/centre/crèche).
Specification
- DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITY
- OFFERS in the region of £125,000 are invited
- RATEABLE VALUE: £23,000
- EPC Rating F