Falkirk Council has become the first local authority to take advantage of a new scheme aimed at making it easier for councils, public bodies, and community groups in Scotland to repurpose neglected and ownerless buildings for local benefit.
The Ownerless Property Transfer Scheme (OPTS), officially launched by the King’s and Lord Treasurer’s Remembrancer (KLTR) on March 1, 2024, eliminates the usual obstacles associated with bringing ownerless properties back into use.
Similar to Community Asset Transfers, OPTS transfers require strong local support and a solid business case, ensuring clear public interest and community benefits.
Using the scheme the council was able to acqure an abandoned and derelict hotel – which had stood empty on the corner of The Cross and High Street for over two decades – for just £1 (covering KLTR’s external costs).
Preparatory work began this week, with the hotel’s chimneys being demolished by hand on Monday. Heavy machinery was then brought on-site to demolish the building on Tuesday. The entire site is expected to be leveled and cleared by tomorrow. Subsequently, the land will be transformed into a green space, and the community will be invited to participate in a consultation exercise to determine its future use.
Bobby Sandeman, chief executive officer of KLTR, expressed delight that the people of Slamannan would benefit from the new Ownerless Property Transfer Scheme. He highlighted that this successful collaboration demonstrates how ownerless properties across Scotland can be put to productive use at minimal cost. Sandeman eagerly anticipates seeing the completed site in due course."
Councillor Cecil Meiklejohn, leader of Falkirk Council, emphasized that acquiring the hotel through the scheme expedited what could otherwise have been a lengthy process. She explained, ‘The hotel was an eyesore, leaving a negative impression of the area. Its poor condition made renovation impossible. As a council, we were committed to rectifying this by taking ownership and demolishing the building. With regeneration funding allocated for Slamannan, we can now collaborate with the local community to rejuvenate this prominent village site.’